Ford Forza Triathlon team. Photo by Mark Giongco
Competing in triathlons has been a family affair for the Guidicellis, who are up for their latest challenge yet in the Ironman 70.3 in Cebu on August 6.
Businessman Gianluca Guidicelli and his children Matteo, who is an actor, and Giorgia are all part of Ford Forza team, which is composed of a diverse mix of individuals from different industries bound by triathlon.
“This is more than a team. Our family runs the foundation. We value family, respect, working together and hard work. For us, it’s the core values that makes the team,” said team manager Giorgia during the Ford Forza Triathlon Team’s formal sendoff at Ascott Makati.
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Joining the Guidicellis are long-time triathletes Joseph Miller and Elmo Clarabal, actor Ivan Carapiet, sports reporter Dyan Castillejo, cancer survivor and lawyer Joey Torres, business manager Ian Solana, triathlon coach Noel Salvador and businessman Jomer Lim.
In its third year with Ford Philippines as its main backer, the team now has 20 members ranging from 10 to 50-years-old.
The new additions to the team are brothers Ralph and Christian Du, who were both participants in the reality show Pinoy Biggest Loser in 2013, businessmen Romeo Castro and Tyrone Tan, sports enthusiasts Patricia Espino, Donniko Fernan and Christian Saladaga and cyclist Ica Maximo.
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For the Du brothers, triathlon is a way for them to maintain a healthy lifestyle.
“We both came from Biggest Loser. In that we’re almost tagged as the hopeless ones,” Ralph Du said. “After that life-changing moment, we realized that challenges are part of our lives that no matter how tough, we have find the door to get out of it.”
“Before we were only into running and boxing. Right now, we’re doing triathlon because for us it’s the ultimate challenge.”
The team aims for a solid finish in one of the grandest triathlon events in Asia, which is expected to gather 2,500 participants from 51 countries.
“The team is especially driven this time. We have new members and everyone is just excited to race harder and tougher this year. I have great confidence in my team,” said Gianluca, who is the team captain.