The TriClark Triathlon Team, one of the Philippines' oldest and most active multisport organizations, is proudly celebrating a major milestone: 20 years of championship-caliber racing, community engagement, and athletic excellence. Founded in October 2005, the team has grown from a dedicated core of 15 original members into a thriving community of over 70 athletes, cementing its status as a cornerstone of the national endurance sports scene.
From Humble Beginnings to National Recognition
The story of TriClark began with the vision of founding president Rene Ricardo "Abe" Tayag, who aimed to elevate Clark's profile within the multisport community. Its roots can be traced to an earlier group called Tribe 8, which united pioneers like Abe Tayag, Dax Timbol, Rico Ayson, Christian Nepomuceno, Michele McTavish, Jumbo Tayag, Jepoy Cruz, and Paul Galang under American triathlon coach Don Bozarth. The team was formally established during officer elections held at Edward Ifurung's restaurant, laying the foundation for its future success.
Over the past two decades, TriClark has become synonymous with competitive excellence at major local events. The team consistently fields strong delegations to races like the White Rock Triathlon, Subic International Triathlon, and the Pilipinas Duathlon Series, with athletes regularly securing age-group podium finishes and overall awards. Their prominent presence has been instrumental in establishing Clark as the duathlon capital of the Philippines, attracting more participants and raising the standard for local events.
A Legacy Forged in Iron and Strategic Partnerships
One of TriClark's most staggering achievements is its collective endurance. Since 2005, team members have completed nearly 200 full-distance (140.6km) Ironman triathlons, a record that is arguably unmatched by any organized team in the country. This remarkable feat highlights the team's deep commitment to supporting athletes through the most grueling physical challenges.
The team's growth and sustainability have been bolstered by key corporate partnerships throughout its history:
- ACCTN served as the inaugural sponsor.
- YellowCab (2008-2015) became the iconic title sponsor, giving TriClark its signature yellow colors.
- Subsequent support came from Pampanga's Best (2018-2019) and SCANIA Trucks (2020-2022).
- The team's current title sponsor is Volvo Construction Equipment, secured through dealer Civic Merchandising Inc.
Former President Andrew Coronel played a crucial role in securing the team's last two major title sponsorships.
Leadership Voices and the Path Forward
Founding President Abe Tayag reflected on the team's journey, emphasizing the vision to make Clark a world-class sports destination. "What truly fulfills me is seeing how the team has instilled in our members the discipline and commitment to an active, healthy lifestyle," he said, proud of the nearly 200 Ironman finishes and the community spirit.
Current President Cyril Bermudo highlighted the team's consistent growth and culture. "TriClark continues to show up race after race, year after year... Our members understand that being part of this team means committing to excellence," he stated, noting the supportive environment for all athletes.
Looking ahead, Incoming President Lan Alquero outlined the mission for the third decade: "My priority is to continue promoting triathlon and multisport endurance as accessible, life-changing pursuits, while strengthening the bonds within our team." The team remains dedicated to its core mission of representing Clark as a premier multisport destination and fostering a disciplined community of endurance athletes, ensuring its legacy continues for the next generation.
