Schoeman a marked man in Lapu-Lapu

FILE: South Africa’s Henri Schoeman wins Ironman 70.3 Lapu-Lapu. –CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

Henri Schoeman, an Olympic bronze medalist, sets out as the heavy favorite over a very formidable field littered with international aces next weekend in the Ironman 70.3 Lapu-Lapu, with the South African out to prove that his 2024 triumph was not a fluke.

Having sat it out last year, Schoeman has some fond memories to think of when he won over Sam Osborne of New Zealand two years ago with a time of four hours, two minutes and 31 seconds for the 1.9-kilometer swim, 90 kn bike and 21 km run over some of the most breathtaking backdrops of the city.

What made that win even more remarkable was that it came in Schoeman’s debut over the distance.

While the Rio de Janeiro 2016 Olympic bronze medalist has since competed in several middle-distance events around the world, including the 70.3 World Championship and Challenge Samarkand, his victory in Lapu-Lapu remains his lone 70.3 title–making his return to Cebu on Aug. 9 even more compelling as he seeks to capture another crown that launched his transition to long-course racing.

But repeating will certainly be a tough task.

A fired-up international cast is eager to foil Schoeman in the marquee race organized by Sunrise Events, inc., setting the stage for another spectacular battle of endurance, speed and tactical brilliance on one of Asia’s premier triathlon destinations.

Leading the challengers is Austria’s Sebastian Fuchs, the 24-year-old rising star who captured third place in the Spain stop in 2023 and continues to establish himself among Europe’s promising young professionals.