ABOUT

Manrique "You can call me Rique" Alonso is a conundrum of irony.

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A Burkean conservative, he continually behaves in non-traditionalist ways.

Rique dropped out of college to pursue a career in music in 1976 but returned as a non-traditional student to graduate summa cum laude with a degree in Political Science from FIU at the age of 50.

This penchant for non-traditional behavior continued as he began his long-course racing career with the ING Half Marathon in 2011, at age 54. After crossing the finish line, Rique’s first words to his wife were, "I’m going Full-Monty on this… next year." True to his word, he completed his first of many full marathons in 2012, then set his eyes on Ironman.

Rique’s Ironman journey began with the Escape to Miami sprint distance triathlon in 2014. He went on to compete in a series of Olympic and international distance tris before completing his first Half Ironman at Ironman 70.3 Miami in 2015. Rique raced Ironman 70.3 Miami one more time and another 70.3 in Havana, Cuba before joining Team Hammerheads in 2017. With amazing coaching from Amy Stone, he crossed the finish line of his first of three full Ironman 140.6 races at Ironman Florida in 2017.

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Rique feels privileged to have been asked to succeed Chiara Manton as president of Team Hammerheads at the end of 2024 and hopes to not mess things up… LOL!

Cindy joined Team Hammerheads in 2018 when her husband Alex was training for Ironman Florida.  She did her first Triathlon in May 2017 at Mack Cycle Tri-Miami Race.  She has completed a few other triathlons and duathlon races as well as one Half-Iron Distance Duathlon, Miami-Man 2018.  She also completed Augusta 70.3. Cindy's favorite race has been the Miami Marathon, since it was her first full distance Marathon.  She also felt completing her half-Iron duathlon had a dramatic impact on her confidence in endurance sports.  Cindy is married to Hammerhead Alex Roche and together they have 3 fur babies.  Outside of triathlon Cindy competes in Crossfit and has participated in the Crossfit Open each year.  She is passionate about nutrition, animals, and loves to read.

Amy learned about Team Hammerheads from her husband, John, who completed IM Florida in 2012. His mother introduced Amy to the sport when John and Amy were in college, but Amy stopped after a few events. As John trained for his IM, Amy realized she missed the sport, and she decided to return to it. She started cycling about ten years ago by joining a beginner ride lead by current president, Chiara Manton. Chiara made the experience both educational and fun, and the Hammerheads were supportive and welcoming to athletes of all levels and ages.  

After riding with Team Hammerheads and Everglades Bicycle Club (EBC) for a few years, Amy was asked to serve as a cycling ride leader and trainer for EBC. Wanting to improve her cycling knowledge and skills, she pursued and received the League Cycling Instructor certification with the League of American Bicyclists in 2016. Later, she also completed the Ride Marshall certification from the Florida Biking Association. Amy uses these certifications and her teaching background to promote fun, but safe cycling for all riders. She especially enjoys training new cyclists and ride leaders. Recently, she joined the Team Hammerhead board as an additional way to support the club. When not riding and training, Amy loves to read and spend time with her husband and their two boys.

Eddie joined Team Hammerheads in 2006 after completing his first marathon and looking for the next challenge. He went on to compete in several triathlons and IMCDA in 2008. He has been an active member never missing a meeting or Sunday ride. He joined the board in 2022. He also is one of the volunteer ride leaders. He has been certified by Florida Biking Association as a Ride Marshall. You can also catch Eddie getting dirty on his mountain bike or gravel bike or staying cool on his paddleboard.

Alex joined Team Hammerheads in 2018 when he was looking for a group to swim with during his training for Ironman Florida. Alex did all his training with the Hammies and became an Ironman later that year. He became a ride leader and joined the Board in 2019. Alex’s first triathlon was an international distance in 2015 and he then completed a few more triathlons as part of his first Ironman 70.3 training. Alex’s favorite race has been Augusta 70.3 because he trained and raced with his wife Cindy. Alex loves the outdoors and being a father to 3 four-legged babies. When not training or racing, Alex enjoys cooking, meditating, fly fishing, hiking and doing CrossFit with Cindy.

Ray joined Team Hammerheads in 2008. His first Triathlon was the Mack Cycle Trilogy that same year. His favorite race was IM Cozumel, completed in 2009. Ray is married and has one child. Outside of triathlon he enjoys mountain biking and basket weaving.

Ben joined Team Hammerheads in 2008. He completed his first triathlon in the Mack Cycle Trilogy series of that same year. Ben’s favorite race was Boston Marathon in 2009 for which he qualified in 2008. He views this as the pinnacle of his athletic career, he loved the race. He also loved the Nautica Tri (South Beach Triathlon) because it was a fundraiser for St. Jude Hospital. Ben has been married for 45 years and has 2 boys and 8 grandchildren. Outside of triathlon he enjoys tennis, baseball and spending time in his yard keeping up his garden.

Johnny joined Team Hammerheads in 2007 after completing his second sprint distance triathlon in Candon Park. He went on to complete many more triathlons in a variety of distances along with many runs in varying distances. Johnny is a regular at the Tuesday/Thursday morning swim and enjoys kayaking, paddleboarding, riding mountain or gravel bike out on the trails and occasionally getting lost in the woods. You can also catch him eating lechon in Hialeah.