Mendoza cops Pocari duathlon title

MANILA, Philippines - Former Asian and SEA Games duathlon champion Ryan Mendoza displayed his new strength in running as he joined lady duathlete Doray Ellis in winning line honors in yesterday’s Pocari Sweat Duathlon at the Fort Bonifacio Global City.

 Still a force in the bike leg, the 35-year old, Mendoza also struck hard in the run legs to emerge the Elite champion in this 6K run, 30K bike and 4K run race organized by Bike King in cooperation with Bonifacio Global City, Bonifacio Estate Services Corporation and Taguig City.

 A total of 250 duathletes took part in the early morning race with PLDT also making its presence felt in the team competition as John Paul Gaba and Ryan Salcedo claimed top honors in one hour, 42 minutes, 43 seconds.

 Kenneth Mercado, sales and marketing manager of Pocari Sweat, led the presentation of medals to the winners.

“I pulled away in the bike phase but I wasn’t surprised at my showing in the run phase because I won in the 42-K Subic International Marathon last month,” said Mendoza, who clocked 1:31:21 anchored on best time splits at 21:39, 54:16 and 15:25.

 Xycos Angelo Gonzago recorded the second fastest time at 1:35:18 to claim the gold medal in the 30-34 age group. Mervin Santiago of Subway ruled the 24-below (1:38:41) and Michael Raymundo Amistoso 25-29 division (1:38:55).

 The 40-year old Ellis meanwhile recorded an impressive 1:52:42 to become the only female participant who submitted a sub-two hour time in this event presented by Pocari Sweat and supported by Unilab Active Health, TIMEX, Bike King, Orbea, Crystal Clear, Enervon HP and Gardenia.

 “It’s a good start for the year. Race was held on flat course but I struggled in the bike because of the traffic. But overall, I’m happy with my performance,” said Ellis, a member of Fitness First who took the gold medal in the 40-above category.

 “Because part of EDSA was closed due to the commemoration of the EDSA I, traffic was diverted to Global City and for the safety of the participants, we decided to shorten the bike leg especially for duathletes in the last group,” said Cuevas.

 Julian Valencia (1:39:55), Mark Ellis (1:42:43), Bong Patrimonio (1:51:04), Jose Trinidad (1:42:21), Wayne Dearing (1:58:00) joined female competitors Fiona Lauren Molina (2:05:23), Kaight Forgie (2:04:55) as the other winners in the age groups.

 Bike King will be offering nine more events throughtout the year highlighted by the Tri United and Bike United Series culminating with the TIMEX 226 Bohol Triathlon.