Future Triathlon Stars relish supertrikids Chiongbian stamps class

CEBU, Philippines - After stamping his class in Talisay last week, Frederic Alvert Yuan Chiongbian cruised to another championship glory through the Century Tuna SuperTriKids at the Plantation Bay Resort and Spa late yesterday afternoon.

Meanwhile, a tougher and more exciting action takes place today at the same posh resort with the staging of the Cebu leg of the Century Tuna-backed National Age-Group Triathlon (NAGT) Series.

Chiongbian lorded it over in the 11-12 age bracket with the best time of 21 minutes and 29 seconds, way ahead of his closest pursuer from Dipolog City Craig Joshua Uy, who clocked in 24 minutes and 18 seconds. Rafael Tan copped the third place honors in 25:37.

“I feel I’m fastest today (yesterday). I like the course better,” said an esctatic Chiongbian after the race.

The kids really had a great time competing just around the resort although there were some who got lost in the route including Yuan’s sister Savannah Rafaela.

The other Chiongbian, Justin Liam, missed back-to-back wins as he lost to national junior training pool member Sixto Llanto in the 13-15 category. Llanto timed 30:07, while Justin clocked in 33 minutes andf 19 seconds. Jezreel Tan got another third place finish with the time of 38:05 effort.

Zeemon Sage Cuyos came out the fastest in the 6-under division with the time of eight minutes and 35 seconds.

Mikele Katerina Jopson, daughter of triathlon power couple Noy and Amele, showed early notice she would follow in the footsteps of her celebrated parents as she emerged as the fastest among female entries in the 6-under and second overall with an 8:43 clocking.

Syrah Ruth Uy topped the 7-8 class with the time of 6:44 followed by Andre Castañares (6:58) and Yasmin Prigala with the time of seven minutes.

Lapu-Lapu’s Aldrich Etienne Alvez ruled the 9-10 class in 19:26. Russell Rex King placed second in 19:26 followed by Jilian Anika Bernad in 22:56. (FREEMAN)