Jopson rules Mayor Moonyeen triathlon

CEBU, Philippines - Noy Jopson proved once more why he is Cebu’s top bet in next month’s Ironman Philippines as he topped the 2nd Mayor Moonyeen Durano Triathlon Cup at Alegre Beach Resort and Spa the other day.

Even with the presence of two of Cebu’s top road runners-turned triathletes, Mendel Lopez and Philip Dueñas, Jopson still emerged the overall champion in the standard triathlon distance with a time of two hours, 37 minutes and seven seconds.

Jopson was way ahead of Dueñas, who timed 2:42:22 as Lopez wound up third after suffering a flat tire with 2:52:08.

Jopson also ruled the 30-39 class over Randy Gilles while Dale Alicaba was third.

Dueñas and Lopez, for their part, occupied the 1-2 spot of the 25-29 class and Daryl Jay Caballes came third.

Rodem Paras ruled the 15-20 class, Jason Bilangdal dominated the 20-24 class, Hector Restauro in the 30-34 class, Alvin Abarquez in the 40-44 class, John Go the 46-49 class and Gianluca Guidicelli in the 50-54 class.

In the distaff side, Annie Neric, Vangie Janea and Emily Estrada were unopposed in their respective divisions with Neric reigning in the 46-49 class, Janea in the 30-39 division and Estrada in the 40-44 class.

The sprint triathlon, on the other hand, saw Lahug barangay captain Mary Ann de los Santos winning the women’s 40-44 class over Maricel Tiu.

Gabby Salimbangon continues to improve and won the women’s 16-18 class as Mirian Joy Libre won the 25-29 division and Avegail Zapanta the 36-39 class.

In the men’s side, Franz Baguio got the 25-29 division title over Raymund Vasquez as Roche Lister Ray Tungala got the 16-18 division title while Venancio Catalan won the 40-44 class, Bob Martinez the 46-49 and Enrique Tenazas in the 55-59 division.

Kids also had fun via the SuperTriKids battle.

Mya and Meg Torralba both won their respective classes with Mya outsmarting Noy’s eldest, Mikele and another early favorite Savannah Chiongbian for the top spot.

Meg won the 9-10 division over Ashley Antigua as Tammyra Salimbangon landed third.

Another Salimbangon, Kristine Renee showed she also has potential not only in tennis, but also in triathlon after dominating the 11-12 division against Nina Francesca Villaba.

Savannah’s brother Yuan got was she missed, after the latter claimed the boys’11-12 title.

Other winners in the STK were Riggs Gerona in the boys 7-8 and Eim Espina in the distaff side, and Eduard Rusell So in the boys’ 9-10 division.

Ramon Tan, Trino Transmonste and John Ong dominated the relay competition over the team of Hope Kho, Arian Erwin Livelo and John Ong.

The run-bike-run or duathlon saw Joseph Miller on top of the full distance action while Patrick Mendoza reigned in the half duathlon distance. — THE FREEMAN