Tan, Lim rule Talisay triathlon

CEBU, Philippines - Rochelle Tan lived up to her billing as Cebu's new triathlon queen, while Kristiane Lim stunned the early favorites to rule the men's division of the inaugural Talisay City Triathlon yesterday.

Tan completed the race covering 1,000-meter swim, 30km bike and 7.5km run in two hours, 11 minutes and 29.72 seconds to romp off with the women's crown.

Hannah Lou Galo took the first runner-up honors in 2:12:49.31, while Lovelienell Casidsid could only make it to the third spot in 2:19:18.76.

Rochelle’s day was even made brighter as her dad Tyronne topped the men’s 40-49 action, even as her brothers Rafael and Rainer also made waves.

Tyrone Tan clocked in 1:53:10.42 to edge out Gandhi Truya (1:59:56.81) and Jay Pizarras (2:10:13.38). Rafael came out second in the kids 11-12 class won by Yuan Chiongbian, while Rainer won the relay event together with Victor Monsanto and Jessie Arriola, who was the first to finish the swim part of the three-in-one race.

Siblings Jebb and Jorgina Cane came out second in the relay, while Rhea Papas, Andre Pacheco and Eric Malimban placed third.

Lim, on the other hand, dominated the men’s open with the time of 1:39:57.88. He pulled off an upset over former Philippine Team member Gerrie Calinawan, who finished in 1:40:59.77. Franz Baguio settled for third with a 1:42:53.93 clocking.

Two comebacking Cebuano triathletes, Eugene Sanchez and Chris Aldeguer, posted a 1-2 finish in the 30-39 class. Sanchez posted the time of 1:50:24.89, while Aldeguer finished in 1:53:25.45. Ritchie Mataragnon ended up third in 1:55:43.18.

Sherwin Managil had a memorable debut in triathlon after dominating the 20-29 class with the time of 1:46:46.65 followed by Frederick Pahanonot (1:51:15.46) and Jarvis Jaranilla (1:57:30.35).

Douglas Sharpe was the best finisher in the 50-above action in 2:26:08.10 followed by Benhur Caderao (2:36:15.49) and Enrique Fenazas (2:56:48.34). 

Two other siblings, Luis Miguel and Ana Patricia Maximo, also showcased their wares well even as they were unopposed in their respective classes.

Luis Miguel registered the time of 2:01:08.94 in the men's 19-under, while her younger sister Ana Patricia won the girls 13-14 category in 51 minutes and 4.89 seconds.

The Chiongbians also had a good time as aside from Yuan, his brother Justin Liam topped the boys 13-14 followed by Jezreel Tan.

The other age-group winners were Aaliyah Ricci Mataragnon (girls 11-12) and Nina Francesca Villaba (10-under). - THE FREEMAN