Arche tops 2nd leg of Cebu Tri Series

CEBU, Philippines - Ralph Arche scored a sweet redemption of sort after dominating the second leg of the Cebu Loves Triathlon Championship Series in Dalaguete yesterday.

After a so-so performance in the opening leg in San Remigio, Arche gamely bounced back to lord it over in the standard division with the time of two hours, 20 minutes and 16 seconds.

The little-known Earl Jason Bilangoal wound up second 2:20:41, while Kristiane Lim came out third with a 2:21:38 clocking.

First leg winner Banjo Norte failed to duplicate his feat feat, but got away with the men’s 19-under title in 2:25:18 followed by Jebb Cane (22:50:35) and John Ray Gomaga (3:02:11).

Paul Jumamil overpowered Gerrie Calinawan in the men’s 20-29 category with the time of 2:28:15 as against the latter’s 2:30:35. Franz Baguio was at third place in 2:32:07.

Jose Merdino Lim topped the men’s 30-39 bracket in 2:28:47. The top two spots were occupied by Alan Leith Ting (2:29:25) and Chris Aldeguer (2:36:26).

Diamond Montejo snatched the men’s 40-49 crown, while Allen Nitollama topped the 50-above class. 

In the distaff side, Cianyl Jamae Gonzalez caught everyone by surprised after she outsmarted veteran triathletes Elona Louise “Louie” Villacin and Loveleinell Casidsid for the top spot.

Gonzalez posted the best time of 3:01:58, while Villacin clocked in 3:07:26 and Casidsid came in at 3:15:34.

Hannah Lou Galo, who did no finish during the leg, made an impression this time by ruling the female 20-29 class in 3:18:05. Fatima Kei Cabilan placed second in 3:46:52.

The rest of the female winners were Llianna Pastrano, Marie Antonietta Sy (30-39, 3:29) and Lorna Amor (40-49, 3:46:51).

In the relay event, the Lasang Runners manned by Sherwin Manangil, Olsen Terense and Mary Grace de los Santos claimed the top spot over the Hard Multi-sports/Igat Runner as Parklane Bai-Cares ended up third.

The top performers in the kiddie tri event,  were Dhexia Myle Bersabal dominating and Marco Anton Queblatin (6-under), Syrah Ruth Uy and Xeemon Sage Cuyos (7-8 age group), Nyka Jenin Archival and Bernard Miguel Sy (9-10), Aaliyah Ricci Mataragnon and Ralph Eduard So (11-12) and Shaia Ruth Uy and Wayne Pagulon (13-15). (FREEMAN)