(UPDATE) FORMER Ironman (IM) 70.3 champion Eric van der Linden is set to face a formidable challenge from a bumper crop of young triathletes and veteran campaigners in the Sun Life 5150 Bohol unfolding Sunday on Panglao Island.

Known for his resilience and skill, van der Linden defied challenging conditions to clinch the title at the Ironman 70.3 Subic last year. However, the 50-year-old Olympian from Schagen, Holland, will be taking on a shorter yet equally demanding race this time. The 5150 Bohol features a 1.5-kilometer (km) swim, a 40-km bike ride and a 10-km run, serving as an essential part of his preparation for longer and more rigorous endurance races in the future.