IRONMAN 70.3: How Schoeman defended title on a Cebuano’s bike

LAPU-LAPU CITY, Cebu — For seasoned triathlon coach Kristiane Lim, lending his bike to defending champion Henri Schoeman of South Africa was an easy decision.

Lim, who has long admired the South African triathlete, gladly allowed Schoeman to use his bike after Sunrise Events reached out to ask if he could lend it following the defending champion’s bike problems during the IRONMAN 70.3 Lapu-Lapu Cebu on Sunday.’

“Actually, Sunrise Events contacted me [to ask] if they can borrow my bike. I told Julian from Sunrise Events that I’m okay for them to borrow my bike,” Lim said.

Lim had yet to publicly announce that his bike would be used in the race by a very popular Olympic bronze medalist, but posted an Instagram story showing him preparing it. Schoeman immediately responded to the post, thanking Lim for his generosity.

Thankful on and offline

“Henri replied to the story, thanking me. He said, ‘Thank you so much for lending me your bike, for being very generous,’” Lim recalled.

For Lim, the situation was made even more special because this was the only year he would miss the IRONMAN race in Cebu.

“It’s the only time I’m missing Ironman here in Cebu, so might as well let the bike race,” he said.

Lim admitted he was proud to see his bike being raced by one of the world’s top triathletes, especially someone he has followed and admired for years.

READ: Ironman 70.3 Lapu-Lapu Cebu: Live updates

“I was very proud because at least the bike was out there, and it’s Henri Schoeman,” Lim said. “I’ve known him for a long time. We’re not friends, but I’m a big fan of him, following him on the socials.”

That admiration made the decision to lend his prized bike even easier.

“It was a very easy decision to make to lend my bike,” Lim said.

Bragging right

And after Schoeman successfully defended his IRONMAN 70.3 Lapu-Lapu Cebu title despite the challenging race conditions and bike troubles, Lim now has a unique bragging right.

“It’s a brag right now that my bike was the overall champion,” he said with a laugh.

Schoeman, was very thankful for Lim’s generosity, repeatedly saying he’s very grateful during the post-race interview.

“It was a very good race because of that,” said Schoeman. “I am very grateful to him because I was able to bike and race.”

Schoeman led throughout the 90k bike course finishing it at two hours, 39 minutes and 59 seconds, averaging 41.55-kilometers per hour on the course amidst strong winds.

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