Team RMA Cargo Logistics Lycans pose for a photo op after placing third in the Ironman 70.3 Subic Bay Philippines. | contributed photo
Cebu City, Philippines—The intensive preparation of the Team RMA Cargo Logistics Lycans paid off in a huge way as they claimed third place honors in the Ironman Relay Men’s of the Century Tuna Ironman 70.3 Subic Bay Philippines last Sunday in Subic Bay.
The team composed of Kristian Paul Garciano, John Paul Suson and Jhepoy Suson completed the treacherous 1.9 km swim, 90 km bike and 21 km run in 5 hours, 34 minutes and 18 seconds to finish behind just Pangasinan Multisport and Sun Life.
Garciano finished the swim leg in seventh place with a time of 35:53 before John Paul Juson helped the team climb up to sixth as he completed the bike leg in 3:11:22. Jhepoy Suson then helped the Lycans get the podium finish as he caught up with the leaders and finished the run leg with a time of 1:39:40.
Team owner, Melchor Aropo, Jr., who also competed in the event lauded his team’s efforts and commitment to get past the “fun” stage of joining events and actually strive for podium finishes.
“We really used to join these events just for fun. It’s still fun but we’ve already raised the level in terms of training and all the hard work is really paying off,” said Aropo of his team’s mindset.
Aropo adds they are now deadset on joining the full Ironman competition when it returns to the country in 2020. This means the distances for the different disciplines will be twice as long — 1.8 km swim, 180 km bike and 42 km run.
“We’re going to prepare for that. Hopefully, the team will be in tiptop condition to compete in that event,” said Aropo. /bmjo