South Africa’s Henri Schoeman won last year’s Ironman 70.3 Lapu-Lapu. Schoeman, however, isn’t part of this year’s field making New Zealand’s Sam Osborne the man to beat.–CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

While excellence across all three disciplines is vital, it’s the demanding bike stage that could ultimately determine the champions in the Ironman 70.3 Lapu-Lapu, which fires off on Sunday at Mactan Newtown in Cebu.

The 90-kilometer bike leg, coursing through the iconic Cebu-Cordova Link Expressway (CCLEX), will serve not only as a test of speed and stamina but also of mental focus and strategy. Spanning 8.9 kilometers, the four-lane CCLEX, the country’s longest and tallest bridge, offers breathtaking views but unforgiving conditions.

READ: Schoeman, Visser share Ironman Lapu-Lapu glory

Contenders are expected to face strong crosswinds and temperature fluctuations on their exposed expanse, making it a technical and tactical battleground in the heart of the race.

“It’s not uncommon for athletes to encounter gusty winds at the top of the bridge, and that can make or break their race. For safety and performance reasons, we strongly discourage the use of disc wheels,” said race director Julian Valencia.

The bike leg’s significance isn’t just about the distance or the scenery – it’s a critical turning point. The strong can break away. The cautious can conserve. And the faltering may see their podium dreams slip away. Whether it’s a seasoned pro or a driven age-grouper, the outcome of the CCLEX ride could define their race.

While the 1.9-km swim in open water sets the tone and the 21-km closing run challenges the final reserves of grit and endurance – especially under Cebu’s sweltering conditions – it’s often on the saddle where the biggest moves happen.

Just ask South African Henri Schoeman. In last year’s race, he seized control in the swim but created decisive separation on the bike, opening up a gap of over two minutes on New Zealand’s Sam Osborne and carrying that lead all the way to the finish line in a wire-to-wire triumph. This year, with Schoeman not returning, Osborne becomes the man to beat in the men’s pro division.

READ: Star-studded field expected in Ironman Lapu-Lapu leg

But he’ll face stiff opposition from a stacked field of elite contenders, including Australians Caleb Noble, Calvin Amos, Josh Ferris, Nicholas Free and Tommaso Puccini, along with fellow Kiwis Brett Clifford and Mike Phillips.

The women’s pro category in the event organized by Sunrise Events, Inc., is equally deep, headlined by New Zealand’s Amelia Watkinson and Samantha Kingsford, Hong Kong’s Leanne Szeto, Kazakhstan’s Ekaterina Shabalina, and Australians Lauren Hume, Sophie Malowiecki, Paige Cranage and Sarah Thomas.

But while all eyes may be on the pro division, the local and age group races promise intense action as well.

READ: Lapu-Lapu hosts milestone 10th Ironman 70.3 anniversary

Veterans and newcomers alike are geared up for one of the toughest courses in the Philippine triathlon scene.

Czech Republic’s Petr Lukosz is fancied in the men’s 40-44 division, along with Dutch standout Eric van der Linden (50-54) and Singapore’s Ling Er Choo, the 2022 Ironman 70.3 Puerto Princesa champion, who is leading the women’s 35-39 division.

Top Filipino contenders include Mervin Santiago, Jonathan Pagaura, Alfred Sajulga, and Kenneth Bonda, all aiming to carry the country’s pride in their respective divisions.

Over 50 countries are represented, underscoring the event’s international appeal. Japan (87), Singapore (69), Australia (35), the US (32), Korea (23), Malaysia (17), Thailand (13), Great Britain (12), and Hong Kong (11) will all have sizable delegations.