Ford Philippines, the exclusive distributor of Ford vehicles in the country, has introduced its latest roster of athletes who comprise its Forza triathlon team. The said team is set to compete in this year’s Ironman 70.3 triathlon challenge to be held in Cebu on August 6, 2017.
In its simplest term, triathlon is an endurance sport that combines running, cycling, and swimming. It challenges the participants as it demands the toughness of both the mind and the body to endure the elements, the fatigue, and the time. The 2017 Ironman 70.3 expects around 2,500 participants from 45 countries worldwide.
The Ford Forza triathlon team was born out of an advocacy to give talented Filipino triathletes a chance to showcase their prowess by becoming part of a team that actually competes in sanctioned races. It provides its members with everything they need to come out on top of the winners circle. These include rigorous daily training, a year’s worth of free ride to and from races, and the chance to represent the team in various local and international races.
Of note, the Ford Forza triathlon team is headed by businessman Gianluca Guidicelli. He commands a squad of triathletes including his sons Matteo and Gianpaolo, as well as his daughter Giorgia who also serves as Team Manager.
For this year, the team also includes actor Ivan Carapiet, TV host and former tennis player Dyan Castilliejo, cancer survivor Atty. Joey Torres, seasoned triathlete Elmo Claraval, Ian Solana, Joseph Miller, triathlon coach Noel Salvador, Jomer Lim, Romeo Castro Jr., Tyrone Tan, Ralph David Du and his brother Yves Christian, Patricia Espino, Donikko Ferman, Christian Saladaga, and cyclist Ana Maximo.
The Ford Forza triathlon team also champions health and fitness. It highlights the aforementioned Du brothers Ralph David and Yves Christian. To those unfamiliar, they competed in the hit reality TV show called Pinoy Biggest Loser back in 2013, a show that challenges participants to lose weight through proper diet and exercise. They both came out of the show 100 lbs lighter and have shown that it’s indeed possible to maintain and improve the achieved fitness goal through sports and active lifestyle.
Aside from the Ironman 70.3, the Ford Forza triathlon team will also compete in the Mt. Mayon ASTC Triathlon Asian Cup in Bicol on August 17 and the 5150 triathlon in Bohol on November 5.
