'Long' triathlon features national athletes, new chips

MANILA, Philippines - Participation of triathletes who did the country proud in the international arena and the use of a new timing chip add dimension to the first Triking Long Distance Triathlon set July 25 at the Matabungkay Beach Resort and Hotel (MBRH) in Lian, Batangas.

Former SEA Games silver medalist Sandra Araullo Gonzales embarks on a comeback even as Nonoy Jopson, the inaugural Filipino champion in the 70.3 Philippine Half Ironman, fends off an expected strong challenge from former number one short course triathlete Neil Catiil in the race returning to one of its original homes, the MBRH.

Organized by Bike King with Triathlon Association of the Philippines (TRAP) officiating, the milestone-setting event in the country’s long distance triathlon scene will utilize the MYLAPS Cycle ProChip System as timing device.

Brought in from Australia, the state-of-the-art timing chip is now being used in major world-wide events such as the Tour de France, Olympics Road Cycling and UCI BMX. The system provides simple yet accurate and reliable timing solution. The International Triathlon Union (ITU) has given its endorsement of the system – the combination of AMD and Championchip.

“Participants can expect faster and accurate time results which seem to be implausible because of the distance of the race,” said Bike King CEO and TRAP director Raul Cuevas.

Cuevas added that MBRH general manager Rico Violeta and marketing manager Joie Oliveros are throwing their all-out support to ensure a successful race.

The event, sponsored by PLDT SME NATION, 100 Plus Drink as the official drink, MBRH and Philippine STAR, has so far attracted over 200 triathletes raring to conquer the punishing 2K swim, 60K bike and 15K run distance.

Aside from the male and female open and age groups, relay competitions will also be featured in this race supported by Summit Mineral Water, Polar Insulated Bottle, ORBEA, CORRATEC, KNOG and CORIMA.

The close to 200 registered entries represent the fast growing community of TRI Clubs namely: Nature Valley-Bike King, Xycos, South Tri, Sunkist Tri Hard, Polo Tri, Fitness First, Clear Sabak, Tri Clark, Timex TMM, Second Wind, Herbalife, Globe, Second Wind, Bukidnon Tri, Tri North and many more up-and-coming Triathlon clubs.

Race starts with a 3-loop swim leg at the rectangular course over clear waters off Sea Breeze Resort, followed by the two-loop bike phase at the National Hi-way towards Calatagan with the hilly portion from the turn-around point in Lian going to Altura Junction as the most challenging part.

Winding up with a 3-loop run, the triathletes have to negotiate a slightly winding rough cement and dirt road through the sugar cane and rice fields of Matabungkay.