CEBU, Philippines - Cebu's reigning triathlon queen Rochelle Tan and Philippine Team mainstay Arland Macasieb stole the limelight in yesterday's Tabuelan 111 Triathlon at Maravilla Beach.
Tan banked on a huge lead in the bike discipline to snare the women's crown, while Macasieb placed only second but was declared as champion in the men's elite category due to technicalities.
The 17-year-old Tan registered the best time of five hours, 43 minutes and 58 seconds in the most grueling race she joined, so far, consisting of a two-kilometer swim, 88K bike and 21K run.
"This victory is my gift to my dad (Tyrone) on Father's Day," said Rochelle.
Amale Mendezona-Jopson came in second in 5:44:51, while the little known Sherlyn Ann Bacus took the third spot with a 5:57:55 clocking.
In the men's division, Macasieb benefited from the disqualification of Mendel Lopez, a decorated long distance runner who turned to the three-in-one sport this time.
Lopez, accordingly, crossed the finish line first, only to be disqualified due to lack of loop in the bike course.
Macasieb, thus, bagged the top honors in 4:39.29. Elmo Clarabal wound up second in 4:45:55 followed by Christopher Eyao in 4:46.31.
Many-time Ironman campaigner Dan Brown placed only fourth with the time of 4:48.17.
Felipe Sajulga, on the other hand, topped the 30-34 category with a 4:43:10 clocking. The rest of the age-group winners and their respective time were Ralph Martin Seos-e (25-29, 4:53:47), Ferdinand Sogoc (40-44, 4:54:39), Peter Villocino (18-24, 4:59:03), Eugene Sanchez (35-39, 5:10:39), Rey John Tan (45-49) and Gianluca Guidicelli (50-54).
Gianluca’s day was even made happier as his son Matteo Guidicelli, a former top karter turned actor/triathlete, topped the men's half-marathon in 3:07:20. Louie Villacin ruled the distaff side in 3:26:52.
Tri-Bohol dominated the relay event with the time of 4:35:21 followed by RMR CDO (4:50:40) and Team Alano (4:57:52). - THE FREEMAN