Salvador retains Cebu title in Speedo triathlon

Bacolod City’s Noel Salvador defended his Cebu leg title in the 2008 SPEEDO National Age-Group Triathlon Series last Sunday at the Alegre Beach Resort and Spa in Sogod, Cebu.

If Salvador felt lucky to have beaten Cebu’s Abet Biagan for the overall championship and in the 30-34 class last year, he made sure he’s better prepared this time to snatch the crown in convincing fashion.

Salvador finished the swim-bike-run action in one hour, 33 minutes and 22 seconds. Nonoy Jopson finished second in 1:35.30, while as Troy Vergara wound up third in 2:03.31.

Though he missed the overall title, Cebu’s Gerrie Calinawan still has something to be happy about as he ruled the 20-24 age classification in one hour, 40 minutes and 28 seconds.

Another returning Cebuano triathlete, Eugene Sanchez, topped the 35-39 class with the time of 1:46.46, while Dax Sarabosing reigned supreme in the 25-29 division in 1:43.52.

Jose Ricardo Dizon outsmarted event organizer and Danao City councilor Oscar “Boying” Rodriguez Jr. to win the 50-54 plum.

Two other Danao bets, Leo Manulat and Oliver Oliverio, posted a 1-2 finish in the 45-49 category of this Triathlon Association of the Philippines-sanctioned event that is supported by the Danao City Sports Commission, SPEEDO, and Alegre Beach Resort and Spa.

John Rommel Uy did not go home empty-handed as he lorded it over in the 19-under class. John Mark Tamano dominated the 40-44 division, while Imee Macpherson was unopposed in the women’s action.—Caecent No-ot Magsumbol