Schoeman returns—and conquers Lapu-Lapu 70.3 again

Natalie Van Coevorden —CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

Henri Schoeman rediscovered his winning form in Cebu, overcoming punishing heat, a choppy swim and a blustery bike course before fighting through cramps in the closing run to reclaim the men’s professional crown in the Megaworld Ironman 70.3 Lapu-Lapu on Sunday.

The 34-year-old South African clocked 4 hours, eight minutes and 52 seconds over the demanding 1.9-kilometer swim, 90 km bike and 21 km run course in returning to the top two years after his breakthrough triumph, when he times 4:02:31 in beating another deep international field.

“This win means so much, you know. I’ve had a really tough two years, struggling to find my form,” said Schoeman.

The bike was no easy ride even for the world-class professionals as strong winds swept across the course and made the exposed sections particularly demanding, with the CCLEX bridge providing one of the race’s biggest physical and tactical tests.

Schoeman managed to hold his advantage through the bike and carried that cushion into the half-marathon, where the tropical heat turned the final leg into a test of patience and survival.

Austrian Sebastian Fuchs and Ben Hamilton of New Zealand, who clocked 4:12:51 (35:33-2:09:36-1:22:19) and 4:14:34 (32:34-2:10:01-1:27:06), were second and third, respectively.

Australian Olympian Natalie Van Coevorden, meanwhile, ruled the women’s professional in 4:30:11 to lead an all-Australian podium.

Charlotte McShane, who posted 4:47:33, and Paige Cranage, who crossed the finish line in 4:53:17, were second and third, in that order.