Biagan rules Du it Off-Road Duathlon

Former national triathlon team mainstay Abet Biagan gave RJ Balbuena some neat lessons in off-road racing enroute to winning the title of the Du it Off-Road Invitational Duathlon in barangay Pulangbato, this city.

Biagan completed the 5-20-3-kilometer, bike-run-bike race, in one hour and 32 minutes with Balbuena of Plantation Bay-Team Kalit finishing a close second in1:34.

Rodolfo Verdida of Kalit-Pepsi, Nogie Biagan (Abet’s older brother), Walter Bandigan of Team Bloodred completed the top five finishers.

Under the searing heat of the sun, Biagan and Balbuena, broke away from the field and established at least a 200-meter lead during the first run.

The duo stuck to each other from the first 5K climb and the 20K mountain stage with Biagan doing the pacing.

Balbuena surged ahead by two minutes when the duo pedaled back to transition but Biagan showed his experience. 

“I had to scramble to distance myself from him. After looking back to check where Abet (Biagan) was, I saw that he was definitely going to catch and pass me,” relayed Balbuena.

He was right on the money. Biagan was beside him on the turn and could only sigh when the latter darted to the finish line ahead.

Perlito Colegado won novice title in 1: 52.8.  Kristian Cabahug, Al Geyrozaga and Mark Fantonial finished second, third and fourth, respectively.

Jun Endrina emerged the champion in the intra club category with a time of 1:48. The second to fifth placers were Engr. Allan Loyao, Mario Basnillo and Renie Pableo and Dr. David Gonzales.

Grace Bascon of Plantation Bay-Team Kalit ruled the women’s field with a time of one hour and 56 minutes.

Winners in this duathlon event received cash, medals, certificates and assorted gift items from Ryan Quinquino, Dr. David Gonzales, Dr. Rommel Bautista, Asahi Appliances, Benjoe Jimenez and Joey Alban.  – Caecent No-ot Magsumbol