MANILA, April 18 -- Former champions Czech Petr Lukosz and Dutch Eric van der Linden are eyeing success in the IRONMAN (IM) 70.3 Lapu-Lapu which will kick off on Sunday in Mactan, Cebu.

Lukosz, winner of the full IRONMAN title in Subic two years ago, will see action in the 40-44 age category, while Van Linde, last year's champion, will compete in the 50-54 age class of the 1.9-km swim, 90-km bike and 21-km run race.

Filipino John Alcala, who ruled the international IRONMAN 70.3 Puerto Princesa in 2022 and the IM 70.3 Subic last year, is entered in the men's 30-34 age category.

In the women's division, 2023 IM 70.3 Puerto Princesa overall champion Leyann Ramos will banner the 30-34 age group, while Ines Santiago, the champion in Subic, ...