Rochelle Tan keeps women's crown in NAGT Series

CEBU, Philippines - Cebuana triathlon princess Rochelle Tan defended her women's title with flying colors in the Cebu leg of the National Age-Group Triathlon (NAGT) Series yesterday at the Alegre Beach Resort and Spa in the municipality of Sogod north of Cebu.

Tan was trailing Loveleinell Casidsid in the swim event, but was able to overtake the latter in the bike part to put up a good lead going into the running portion of the race.

Even if Tan’s time in the run was a bit slower than Casidsid, her overall output of three hours, 16 minutes and 22 seconds was good enough to make her stay as the best female triathlete here.

Casidsid came in 29 seconds behind Tan, while Liana Pastrano timed 3:22:53 good for a third place finish.

In the men's division, Noy Jopson faltered in his grandslam bid, with the little-known Earl Jason Bilangdol spoiling his day.

Bilangdol made up from his lack of speed in the swim and bike by zooming ahead of the rest in the run part to frustrate Jopson.

Bilangdol crossed the finish line with the best time of 2:25:40. Jopson was a far second in 2:27:30, while Gerrie Calinawan settled for third with a 2:27:40 clocking.

It was actually a double celebration for Rochelle Tan’s family as her dad Tyrone topped the 40-44 division with the time of 3:16:17.

The other age-group winners were Lilia Fiona Tudtud (39-under), Emily Quianson Estrada (40-above), Jefferson Tabacon (19-29), Jan Dennis Sinda (30-34), Randy Gilves (35-39), and Shangrila Resort and Spa general manager Juergen Doerr (45-above). (FREEMAN)