Rookies outshine veterans in Anvaya Cove triathlon

MANILA, Philippines - Mervin Rencel Santiago and Fiona Ottiger debuted in style as they ruled the sixth Anvaya Cove Invitational Triathlon yesterday at Morong, Bataan.

Santiago, a UP badminton varsity player, banked on his youth and athleticism as he rallied from almost four minutes behind Mark Douglas Weis in the swim leg to win the 1.2K swim, 32K bike and 6K run male elite category in two hours, 2 minutes, 27 seconds.

“My forte is biking. I made up for that (swim lag) in the bike phase and in the third and last loop of the run,  I caught up with him,” said the 20-year-old Santiago, a sports science senior. “I tried to keep the lead from there.”

Weis settled for second in 2:04:36 while Romeo Marquez took third in 2:11:13.

Just like Santiago, Ottiger competed for the first time in this race jointly organized by Anvaya Cove Beach and Nature Club (ACBNC) and Triathlon Association of the Philippines (TRAP).

That hardly mattered as she managed to work her way up after a fifth place showing in the swim leg to claim the title.

“I didn’t have any expectations today since this is my first time to race here and I heard it’s very challenging because you have to do the hills three rounds so I was just really happy to come in  first place,” said the 46-year-old veteran triathlete who clocked 2:36:42.

It was a rewarding trip for the Ottigers as her son Michael ruled the 9-10 in the Supertrikids held Saturday while husband William took the bronze medal in the male 45-49 class.

The event is supported by Globe Business, Ayala Land Premier, Gatorade, Fitness First, Courtesy Point, Pacsports-Club-Car, Globelinens, Veda Spa, A.C. Lazaga, Folded & Hung, Dream Cable, Powel Chen, Philippine Sports Commission (PSC), Asian Centre for Insulation Philippines (ACIP), Standard Insurance and Subic Vantage Point Camera Club.

“The race has grown bigger and bigger since we started in 2008. We are planning to hold an exciting race next year with a new race course that will bring the triathletes to our newly opened golf course,” said George Bernard Cadhit, general manager of the ACBNC, who along with resident manager Jovie, presented medals and gift packs to the winners.