MANILA, Philippines — Former IRONMAN 70.3 champion Eric van der Linden faces a formidable challenge from young triathletes and veteran campaigners in the Sun Life 5150 Bohol unfolding Sunday on Panglao Island.
Van der Linden defied challenging conditions to clinch the title at the IRONMAN 70.3 Subic last year. However, the 50-year-old Olympian from Schagen, Holland will be taking on a shorter yet equally demanding race this time – 1.5 km swim, 40 km bike ride and 10 km run.
In addition to his impressive victory at Subic, Van der Linden won his age group at the IM 70.3 Lapu-Lapu in April and secured 15th overall. He also dominated the 50-54 age category at the IM 70.3 Westfriesland in his home country last month.
The upcoming 5150 Bohol will see Van der Linden compete against 44 other international participants and hundreds of local racers.
With Van der Linden’s experience and the crack field’s determination, the battle for top honors in the overall championship and across various age categories promises to be a thrilling one.
Athletes from Australia, Switzerland, Germany, France, Great Britain, Greece, India, Japan, Korea, Mexico, Malaysia, Norway, New Zealand, Russian Federation, Singapore, Taiwan and the United States, along with close to 500 local racers, are out to foil Van der Linden’s drive.