Belgian pro steals show in Moonyeen triathlon

CEBU, Philippines - Belgian pro triathlete Anthony Devos stole the limelight during the 3rd Mayor Moonyeen Durano Streegan Cup last Sunday at the Alegre Beach Resort in Sogod north of Cebu, while Cebuana elite  Rochelle Tan reigned anew in the distaff side of the standard division.

Meanwhile, national youth team member Justin Chiongbian and newcomer Lorraine Hann dominated the mini-sprint race.

“This is my first local race. I learned about this through the internet and I decided to join because this race fits my training schedule," said Devos, who is gearing up for the obra Energy Drink Ironman 70.3 Philippines slated on August 4 at Shangri-La’ s Mactan Resort and Spa in Lapu-Lapu City.

The 22-year-old Devos gave the local triathletes a sample of his might by doing a swift swim, bike and run. He was leading all throughout the race, finishing the standard distance with the best time of two hours, 17 minutes and 30 seconds.

Joseph Miller was a distant second with the time of 2:27:12, while runner-turned triathlete Alvirg Busa came out third overall in the men’s division with a 2:44:24 clocking.

In the women's category, Rochelle Tan claimed her second crown in the Moonyeen Cup after posting three hours and 16 seconds, just enough to get the top spot against her closest pursuer Clanyl Gonzales, who registered 3:01:23.

Rochelle has several other reasons to smile. Her dad Tyrone placed second in the 40-44 age group won by Eugene Sanchez, while her boyfriend Oliver Townshed topped the 16-24 division.

Tabuelan Mayor Rex Gerona grabbed part of the spotlight after finishing third in the 40-44 class.

The other category winners were Jay Bryan Lawas (25-29), Christian Uy (35-39), Jan Dennis Sinda (30-34), Dixon Tiu (45-49), Roelf Harerkamp (men’s 50-above) and June Ocana, who was unopposed in the female 30-39 class.

Team Dansereau lorded it over in the relay event as  Team Tui and Team Gamaliel occupied the next two spots.

In the sprint competition, Ian Rusiana and Loveleinell Casidsid ruling their respective classes.

Younger triathletes also had fun even if there were only a few entries due to late notice about the event.

Justin and Yuan Chiongbian had a 1-2 finish in the boys division, while Richmond Seville wound up third.

Lorraine Han was upposed in the girls side, but her overall performance looks bright in her first try in this three-in-one sport. (FREEMAN)