New Balance backs RP bets to Ironman tilt

MANILA, Philippines - New Balance will be the chief backer of the Tri Clark team members competing against the world’s top triathletes in the Ironman 70.3 World Championships slated Nov. 14 in Clearwater, Florida.

Heading the team are Rene Ricardo Tayag, Jose Antonio Narciso, Michael Mandap, Adonis Edwin Co and Jose Raphael Zapata, who gained berths in the world tilt by turning in impressive clockings in the Ironman 70.3 Philippines in Camarines Sur recently.

“We are very proud of how the athletes of Tri Clark performed in the Ironman 70.3 Philippines. With five of the team members qualifying to the Clearwater, Florida Ironman competition only proves that Filipinos are world-class athletes. New Balance is proud to be supporting these athletes,” said Bing Buenaventura, brand manager of New Balance, the country’s leading running shoe brand.

Tayag, who started out as a tennis player and became a champion golfer, joined triathlon in 2005 and has competed in the National Triathlon Championship, National Duathlon in Clark, Subic International Triathlon (2005-2009), Whiterock Long Distance Triathlon (2005-2008) and Ironman Malaysia 2007-2009, where he was the top Filipino finisher for year 2008-09.

“I want to enjoy as much race as I can and wear the Philippine colors in international competitions,” Tayag said.

Tayag and the rest of the Tri Clark team are currently in the thick of preparations for the Ironman 70.3 World Championships.

“At this point, training for the next race is our priority. Support from partners is important for us because with their support we are relieved from some of worries, like expenses for training equipment. We’re happy that New Balance is supporting triathlon and Tri Clark,” said Tayag.