Javier, Fornea top Sante Barley duathlon

MANILA, Philippines - Top duathlete Robeno Javier bucked the extra lap in the bike stage as he ruled the men’s elite class while Mary Pauline Fornea dominated the distaff side in the Sante Barley Domination duathlon race at the Clark International Speedway in Clark, Pampanga last Sunday.

The 31-year-old Javier poured it all out in the final run leg as he rallied from the second pack in the bike transition to clinch the crown.

“The bike leg was supposed to be a 10-lap race but I did it 11 times. There were two duathletes already starting their run but I was confident I could catch up with them and win,” said Javier.

He negotiated the 4k run, 40k bike and 4k run of the race organized by BikeKing and supported by GU, Garmin, Pure Barley, Whey Barley, and Barley Pure in one hour, 36 minutes and 33 seconds.

Veteran campaigner Dante Cagas finished second in 1:37:06 while Jeff Valdez came in third in 1:37:41.

Sante Barley’s Mervin Santiago, who together with Allen Santiago, came out first and second in the second transition, actually settled with the second best time at 1:37:01. He, however, competed in the 18-24 age group which he dominated.

The 20-year-old Fornea, who along with Robeno raced under the banner of Standard Insurance-Philippine Navy, turned in an all-around performance to bag the ladies crown in 1:48:30.

Rowena Valdez placed second with a 1:55:18 clocking while Franchesca Diane Gutierrez timed 2:35:45 for third. Javier and Fornea took home P10,000 each.