NINE-MEMBER Team Herbalife, which is a defending team champion, is not succumbing to pressure as it vows to give its 100 percent performance when the second Alveo Ironman 70.3 Davao kicks off Sunday, March 24, in an out-and-back course from Azuela Cove in Lanang, Davao City.
Team captain Julian Valencia, in a press conference held at Park Inn by Radisson Thursday, said seven of them will race in individual age group categories while Dwan Abantao and Laarni Paredes will compete in the all-female relay event.
“We all prepared for this race since December but there is no such thing as off-season for us. We trained all year round and we identified Davao as one of our major races so we are putting in a lot of time and a lot of effort for it,” Valencia said, adding that anything can happen during race day so they will give their best performance.
He also said, “We did all hard work and preparations. We can only prepare so much but we will definitely give our 100 percent.”
Ines Santiago, who saw action in relay last year as she was injured, looked forward to finish the 70.3 course that covers 1.9-kilometer swim at Pakiputan Straight, 90K bike to Tagum City and back to Azuela Cove for the two-loop 21K run.
Dwan Abantao, for her part, said she does not want to think about the pressure. “We’ll do our best during the race, to relax and not panic.”
Herbalife Philippines general manager Bong Valenzuela praised their brand ambassadors and athletes. “We are very proud of our athletes. They do it together with their nutrition. Exercising and practicing with proper nutrition makes them the stronger team,” he said.