Head-turners Mendez, Kilgroe relish challenge in Cobra Ironman 70.3

Mauricio Mendez. Photo by Tristan Tamayo/ INQUIRER.net

LAPU-LAPU CITY — Heads are sure to turn when Mauricio Mendez and Kim Kilgroe pass by.

And one couldn’t be blamed, especially with their stunning looks.

But more than their pretty face, both Mendez and Kilgroe are killer triathletes and they are raring to make their mark in their respective fields in the 2017 Cobra Energy Drink Ironman 70.3 Philippines on Sunday here.

Shifting from the grueling Xterra races to the equally endurance-testing Ironman 70.3, Mendez believes that there won’t be much of an adjustment for him as he joins a loaded field in the Cebu tilt.

“I’ve been doing triathlon since I was 10 years old and I grew up doing this,” said the 2016 Xterra world champion. “There’s just excitement and motivation coming from it. It’s my true passion. What I love the most is combining all those kinds of things, the skills in off-roads and testing my endurance. It’s great.”

But the 21-year-old Mexican runner couldn’t hide his excitement as he tests his mettle against some of the world’s best.

“It’s going to be a good race. I’m just enjoying these stuff,” said Mendez.

Kim Kilgroe. Photo by Tristan Tamayo/ INQUIRER.net

Kilgroe, meanwhile, wants nothing but to improve her standing after finishing 10th in the female elite division last year.

“I just want to come away from this race a little faster, a little fitter and just give it everything I have,” she said.

The Fil-Am beauty made her professional debut last year in Cebu, finishing the exhausting swim-bike-run course in 4:51:10.

Given another crack at Ironman 70.3,  Kilgroe wants to represent the country loud and proud against fancied counterparts in the race.

“I’m feeling good,” said the 27-year-old. “I’m excited to be back here racing with amazing athletes. I’m grateful to be with these kind of caliber athletes in racing, and I’m proud to represent my heritage. It’s an exciting weekend for me and I’m looking forward to it.”