Calinawan dominates third leg of Pipti-Pipti triathlon

CEBU, Philippines - Cebuano Gerrie Calinawan, a national triathlete, took advantage of all the opportunities coming his way to win the third leg of the Pipti-Pipti Triathlon and Duathlon Competition the other day in Luyang, Carmen.

Calinawan frolicked in the absence on back-to-back winner Noy Jopson, who opted to spend time with his newly born son, to claim the men’s open title without much pressure.

 RJ Balbuena came in second, while former top Cebuano swimmer Ralph Arche wound up third. Balbuena decided to race back in the premiere class after he topped the senior 20 during the second leg.

Without Balbuena around, the senior 20 saw another triathlete dominating the action in Franz Baguio.

Warren Troy Vergara, on the other hand, ruled the senior 30 category, followed by Condrado Jaluag Jr., while second leg winner Eugene Sanchez was relegated to third.

Ric Dizon, for his part, ruled the masters division while Job Cereno landed second and Oliver Oliverio third.

In the inaugural duathlon race of the Pipti-Pipti action, Elmo Claraval reigned supreme in the men’s class. He edged out fast-rising runner John Philip Duenas, while another runner-turned duathlete Miltone Luterte placed third.

Janice Bautista was unopposed in the women’s class.

Ralph Arche emerged the best in the executive division. He was trailed by Rommel Pono and Edmar Osing, respectively. —Caecent No-ot Magsumbol (THE FREEMAN)