Carbonera overpowers Villaver in 3rd Power Pedal road race

Randy Carbonera overpowered the more experienced Robert Villaver to rule the 3rd Pedal Power 3’s road race by breaking away 250 meters away from the finish line in front of the new municipal hall of Hilongos, the other day.

Carbonera, Villaver, along with the daring Albert Basirgo and another rider broke away from the pack early in the 144-kilometer individual road race.

However, the fourth rider suffered a flat tire leaving the three Cebuanos at the forefront of the race. 

Basirgo slowed down during the long uphill climb from Baybay to Sogod, setting the stage for the one-on-one duel between Carbonera and Villaver.

Carbonera saw his chance in the last 250 meters to upset Villaver while Basirgo crossed the finish line a few minutes later for third place.

In the veteran’s class, Orlando Toring also outsmarted an early favorite, Rolando Pagnanawon for the top spot, with Maasin’s very own, Victor Claveria settling third.

Cebuano riders finished 1-2-3 to dominate the beginner’s class, with John Pagnanawon, Elmer Navarro and Janno Canasa, crossing the line in that order.

In mountainbike event, which is a criterium race around Hilongos proper, the Zarate siblings, Ryan and Randy who took the 1-2 spot in the beginner’s class as Rogelio Suwaybaguio settled for third.

Emie Gopo-od Matalom ruled the masters’ division with Emie Gopo-od Matalom with Gilly Zarate and Nicanor Comida of Tacloban, finishing second and third, respectively.

Meanwhile, Maasin’s pride Urbano Bacolanta ruled the Governor Ecot Petilla Triathlon Cup also in Hilongos. Urbano banked on his impressive performance in cycling to bag the title. Ormoc’s Jonas Tan wound up second as Roger Tupaz landed third.

Aside from winning the triathlon, Bacolanta got the nod of the organizing Hilongos Unified Bikers Club, who conferred on him the “Best Cyclist” in the said event while Alvin Davido bagged the “Best Swimmer” award. — Caecent No-ot Magsumbol