SUCCESSFULLY topped triathlon events in the country this year, Santé Barley TriTeam, the official triathlon team of Santé, is now looking forward to doing well in the Vega IRONMAN World Championship in Kona, Hawaii, later this year.
The Santé Barley TriTeam will be fielding four athletes who have qualified for the event, set for Oct. 10, and are raring to represent the country.
The team is composed of Robert Jonah Rivera (team captain), David Richmond, Jethro Karl Ramos, and Retzel Orquiza.
“Races like the IRONMAN World Championships are the reason why we train hard. We are proud to represent Santé Barley TriTeam in such a prestigious race. We will give our all to bring honor not just for the team but also for our country,” said Mr. Rivera as they prepare for the event.
The team is coming off successful outings in local triathlon events, winning top awards at the National Age Group Triathlon Race 2020 last January and the Apollo Petroleum Jelly TRI 2020 last February, both held at Subic Bay, Olongapo.
At the Vega IRONMAN World Championship, the team is expecting its skills to be greatly tested as it is considered as one of the most challenging triathlons across the globe.
The IRONMAN World Championship was originally held in Waikiki before moving to Kona on the island of Hawaii.
In it, some 2,000 athletes will embark on a 140.6-mile journey that would test their body, mind, and spirit that the IRONMAN is known for. Triathletes will race through a 2.4-mile swim, a 112-mile bike, then a 26.2-mile marathon, while on the black lava rocks dominating the panorama, battling the 45mph, 95-degree “ho’omumuku” crosswinds, and the scorching sun.
Seeing how the team is doing well in competitions it is joining in, Santé said it is very proud of the squad and is throwing its full support behind it, especially for the levelled-up challenge that it would now take on.
“Santé Barley TriTeam is given another opportunity to showcase its members’ abilities in an international race. We are proud of this another achievement. The whole Santé family is ready to show our support to the qualifiers as they take on this challenge,” Joey Marcelo, chief executive officer of Santé, and Santé Barley team owner, said.
The Santé Barley TriTeam was established in 2012 in line with the company’s mission to help people lead healthier lives so they can live more and do more. To date, the team is comprised of over 30 competitive triathletes. — Michael Angelo S. Murillo
