CEBU, Philippines - Close to 200 triathletes from different age groups will see action as the first leg of the inaugural Paramount Property Ventures Team Tri Championships 2015 kicks off today at Sugar Beach Resort in Santa Fe, Bantayan Island.
The huge turnout of entries is a result of Sugbu Triathlon's decision to follow the age-bracketing for the classification of the triathletes.
Aside from that, the format of team competition has also been changed that one team can field in as many members possible.
With that, close to 40 teams are represented although most of them only have one or two bets for the opening leg.
Defending champion Cebu Parklane International Hotel has the most number of entries, with Filipino elite Kristiane Lim returning to his home team. The other members of CPIH are Cianyl Jamae Gonzalez, Emmanuel Commendador, Loveleinell Casidsid, Ralph Arche, Hannah Lou Galo, Johnny Ferniz and Jong David.
Tri Liloan has 10 members led by Mayor Vincent Franco Frasco, while WS Tri Team has seven spearheaded by Steffan Maniquis and Louie Villacin.
Aside from the standard distance, there's also a sprint race featuring the men and women's open categories and a kiddie tri action.
Over 50 triathletes will strut their wares in the sprint race. The kiddie tri, on the other hand, drew 22 entries spread in different age brackets from 8-under up to the 13-15 class. (FREEMAN)