A team of triathletes left for Sejong, South Korea Tuesday to compete in the Asian Triathlon Sprint Championships scheduled on Saturday.
Southeast Asian Games champion Fer Casares led the squad composed of Aki Lorbes, Wacky Baniqued, Josh Ramos, Heart Quiambao, Karen Manayon, and new recruits Erika Burgos and Kira Ellis.
The race is just a first of many tournament exposures for the athletes as the Triathlon Association of the Philippines (TRAP) seeks to strengthen its program following a successful participation in the 31st SEA Games in Hanoi, Vietnam recently.
The country won three gold, one silver and one bronze medal in triathlon and duathlon events.
Except for Casares, TRAP President Tom Carrasco said the rest of the athletes are next generation triathletes who were not included in the SEAG.
At the moment, national team members resume their training programs with their respective coaches for future international and local races.