As part of their commitment in being the “reliable partner,” Isuzu Philippines Corporation—the official local distributor of Japanese car maker for the country—has formally forged a new partnership with some of the top tier athletes in the country, this time, triathletes from the Visayan region.

IPC Executive Vice President Takashi Tomita has formally announced the latest sponsorship deal between the Japanese carmaker and the Rider Omega Pro Tri Team at Robinsons Galleria Cebu coninciding with its the team’s grand launching vent and press conference.

Cebu-based Rider Omega Pro Tri Team is composed of both professional and budding triathletes in training that is set to compete on both local and international races.

The Rider Omega Pro Tri Team is currently on its fourth year as a triathlon group but only started their campaign as a commercial unit. The team has a core of 28 outstanding members, Headed by Actor/Triathlete Paul Jake Castillo as the Team Manager, Tonyson Luther Lee as Marketing Manager and Frederick Castañeda as Team Captain; other Age Grouper members composed of Mendel Lopez, Jeffrey Codino, Lorhiz Echavez-Lopez, Christopher Capistrano, Reinier Englis, Allistair Patino, Joseph Larida, Alton, Enzo and Lorna Amor, Steve Cortez, En Torres, Rashell Cabrera, Sean Yu, Ryan Capuno, Jezryl Villarete, Rachel Rae Ngo and Jude Baguio, among others.

Beefing the group’s roster are Filipino Elite’s Cianyl Jamae Gonzalez, Johnny Ferniz, Franz Baguio Welmar Saavedra and former Alaska Tri-Aspire members Banjo Norte, Kristiane Lim and Paul Jumamil.

The first event that the team would be facing is the Tri United Series, a three-leg race set in Feb. 28, July 3 and Oct. 23 in Subic Bay, wherein they would be fielding a 15-man lineup.

Aside from participating in numerous events, the team is set to hold a grassroots clinic for triathlon starting summer this year. The training camp would be for the less fortunate children which possess high potentials in the sport.

For his part, IPC Executive Vice President Takashi Tomita expressed firm belief that such skills being shown by these athletes are world-class, saying competition has become very stiff in triathlon.

He also vowed that IPC will support Rider Omega Pro Tri Team for the 2016 Triathlon Season as part of their commitment to support Filipinos.

Such focus on sports is not new with Isuzu as the Japanese car company has previously launched its own Isuzu D-MAX Cycling Team. Launched in 2010, the Isuzu D-MAX Cycling Team —made up of 11 avid riders who take part in various competitions around the country.

“The Rider Omega Pro Tri Team— like the Isuzu D-MAX Cycling Team—would surely embody the qualities that the brand displays. The vehicles and the athletes perfectly exude toughness, excellence and competitiveness.  We wish all the best for these top-caliber athletes as they go for the gold this year," Tomita said.