Biagan, Gonzalez dominate Talisay triathlon race

CEBU, Philippines - Former national team member Abet Biagan finally made an impact since his return to highly competitive action after emerging as the men's overall champion in the 2nd Talisay Triathlon Race yesterday at the new Talisay fish port along the Cebu South Coastal Road.

Biagan finished the sprint distance in one hour, seven minutes and five seconds, 17 seconds ahead of Ian Rusiana who clocked in 1:07:22.

Last year’s champion Kristiane Lim could only make it to third place this time in 1:08:53.

John Philip Duenas, who placed seventh overall, topped the 20-29 age group in 1:12:09 followed by Cris Calinawan (1:12:19) and Jezam Baldimar (1:17:43).

Ralph Arche, who posted the same time as Duenas, ruled the 30-39 division, while Alan Ting outsmarted Chris Aldeguer for the second place honors. Ting timed 1:13:24, while Aldeguer registered 1:14:25.

Juergen Doerr dominated the 40-49 category with the time of 1:12:30. The next two spots were occupied by Jay Pizarras (1:21:02) and John Salgado (1:29:04).

The top three finishers in the 50-59 class were Joy Danao (1:43:55), Caesar Telen (1:48:02) and Philip Caesarius Rubi (1:48:33).

On the other hand, Youth Olympic Games aspirant Justin Chiongbian lorded it over in the 19-under division with the time of 1:11:53. Jezerel Tan was a distant second in 1:22:29, while Jose Bacasmas took the third spot with a 1:26:10 clocking.

Justin’s brother Yuan settled for second in the 13-15 division won by Ralph So, who posted the best time of 2:02:41. Yuan completed the race in 2:03:18, while Shaia Uy wound up third in 2:06:66.

In the all-women’s battle, Chanyl Gonzalez took home the crown with the fastest time of 1:26:02. Louie Villacin, one of the early favorites, landed only at second in 1:26:02 followed by Loveleineil Casidsid in 1:31:12.

Last year’s top winner Rochelle Tan did not join the race.

Emaralde Hermosilla, aside from being named as the most sexiest triathlete, also stamped her class in the 30-39 bracket with the time of 1:35:33 followed by Marie Antonietta Sy (1:37:22) and Xedessa Cuyos (1:45:27).

Catherine Manreal was unopposed in the 20-29 as well as Alelu Cane in the 40-49.

In the kids division, the Archival siblings Nyka and Nyko had a 1-3 finish in the 10-under, while Ella Stevens squeezed herself to second place.

Aaliah Mataragnon ruled the 11-12 class, outsmarting male opponents Joshua Uy and Richmond Seville who ended up second and third, respectively.

The relay category was dominated by swimmer Keith Ocampo, cyclist Pin-Pin Uy and long distance running star Mary Joy Tabal. (FREEMAN)