Abad wins maiden off-road duathlonin Mantalongon

CEBU, Philippines - Former Philippine Team member Mirasol Abad ruled the women’s division of the 1st Mantalongon Off-Road Duathlon the other day in Dalaguete, Cebu.

Not only that, she also fell in love with Mantalongon.

“Ang sarap mag-training dito.Gusto ko dito talaga,” Abad told The Freeman.

Mantalongon has cold weather condition with natural terrains surrounded by big trees, flowers and vegetable farms.

Although unfamiliar with the terrains, Abad came out on top, completing the 3K run, 12K bike and 6K run rolled into one with the time of one hour, 35 minutes and 36 seconds

Cebu's reigning triathlon queen Rochelle Tan finished second in 1:58:46 followed by Merlita Arias-Dunkin with the time of 2:01:35.

Rochelle's dad Tyrone Tan won the men’s 40-49 class with the time of 1:40:44, while Nogie Biagan came out second in 1:41:07.

Boljoon’s Warren Vinan used his expertise in mountainbiking and familiarity of the terrains to top the men’s overall standings in his first duathlon action.

Vinan won the race in 1:13:15 followed by Joseph Miller (1:17:44) and John Philip Duenas (1:19:36).

Early favorite Elmo Clarabal was ahead in the early goings, but was forced to quit midway through the race after the chain of his bike was broken.

In the women’s open age-bracket, Lovelineil Casidsid placed first with a 2:11:58 clocking followed by Nerissa Abunda (2:32:04) and Aya Shlachter (2:42:19).

John Ray Gonzaga dominated the men’s 19-under class in 1:24:40, while Jesam Baldumer ruled men’s 20-29 class in 1:26:57.                Dalaguete's pride Jay-R Salvador and Miguel Lajos, Jr. came up with a 1-4 finish in the men’s 30-39 division of this Sugbutriathlon-organized event. — (FREEMAN)