First Ironman 70.3 — Waco, Texas
Jordan Laner & Lucio Cruz take on their first half-Ironman
For both Jordan Laner and Lucio Cruz, Ironman 70.3 Waco marked a milestone — their first-ever 70.3 and the culmination of six months of training, discipline, and dedication.
From long rides in the Texas heat to early-morning swims and back-to-back run sessions, the journey was all about building endurance and testing limits. Race weekend was finally here, and the excitement in Waco was undeniable.
The Swim — 1.2 Miles Down the Brazos River
Race morning began calm and cool as the athletes lined up along the Brazos River. Both Jordan and Lucio looked composed and ready, months of training about to come to life.
The Waco course is known for its nearly straight-line swim downstream — fast, scenic, and unique.
Jordan launched into the water with confidence, locking into smooth and powerful form that carried him to an incredible swim pace.
Lucio, new to the sport of long-distance swimming as of this year, settled in quickly, managing the distance and contact with the other swimmers with patience and strength, and emerged from the river with a strong debut performance.
They sprinted up the ramp into Transition 1, moving quickly from swim to bike — swim caps off, helmets on, and off into the Texas countryside.
The Bike — 56 Miles Through the Countryside
The 56-mile ride out of Waco opens into rolling terrain and quiet backroads, the kind of course that rewards steady pacing and mental focus.
We followed alongside, catching moments of both athletes in full rhythm — Jordan in his aero position maintaining a strong tempo, Lucio working his way up the field, gaining positions mile after mile.
The course looped deep into the open Texas landscape before returning to the city.
After nearly three hours on the bike, both athletes rolled into Transition 2, still looking strong and focused.
The Run — 13.1 Miles Along the River
Shoes on, nutrition loaded, hats secured — the half marathon began.
Lucio wore his Austin-based Go One More / BPN hat, and Jordan his Precision Fuel & Hydration bucket hat.
The athletes ran out of transition and hit the two loops of the 13.1 miles of the half marathon. Near the halfway point, we were able to see them back on our side of the course — both athletes using cooling strategies to keep their body temperature down in the heat of the day. Ice in the hats and into the tri suit, dripping down ice water through the fabric.
Both athletes were in high spirits, enjoying the course and pushing their pace to close out the run.
The Finish Line — Mission Complete
The finish line at Ironman 70.3 Waco is one of the most iconic in Texas — under the arches of the historic suspension bridge, surrounded by cheering crowds and the red Ironman carpet crossing the river.
First came Jordan — in the black Squadron Racing triathlon suit, arms out as he stepped onto the red carpet, soaking in every moment of his first 70.3 finish.
Soon after came Lucio — smiling wide, pointing upward in gratitude, and celebrating alongside his family.
Two incredible debuts. Two strong finishes.
Months of training all leading to this — the ultimate test of endurance and commitment.
Jordan Laner — 5:38:34
Lucio Cruz — 5:45:39
A race that perfectly embodied the Squadron Racing mission — training together, racing hard, and inspiring more people to take on the challenge.
Athletes Featured
Jordan Laner @jordan_laner – Triathlete based in Austin, Texas.
Lucio Cruz @lucruzjr – Triathlete based in Clute, Texas.
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