Huge turnout of entries in second leg of I Love Cebu Tri Series

CEBU, Philippines -  The total number of entries in the  second leg of the I Love Cebu Tri Team Championship Series set on February 2-3 in Dalaguete is almost doubled up from its initial staging.

More participants are still expected with the organizing Sugbutrithlon extending its registration period until January 27 as disclosed by the organizers during a press conference at Fuente Pension yesterday.

In the latest count, the kiddie triathlon already has 32 entries including young triathletes from Bohol and Dipolog.

In the adults action, there are now about 200 participants including the WS Tri team of Louie Villacin and Neil Reyes.

Fish 18 leads the series with 150 points, a very comfortable margin from second placer Parklane with 64 points.

Parklane’s Ralph Arche, however, is confident they can close the gap during the second leg, if not overtake Fish18 especially that Loveleinell Casidsid is now with them.

 â€œWe are confident that we can close the gap. Complete na pud mi ron as a team.We now have six scoring members,” Arche said.

The sprint event is not only for beginners, but also for seasoned triathletes who just want to do a short course as part of their training for bigger and tougher event.

Aside from the standard distance, there’s also a sprint distance added.

 Participants under the sprint action, however, will not be included in the points system.

The point system will only be for the tri team and relay championships.

While teams are fighting for overall supremacy in this three-leg battle, the municipality of Dalaguete is also upbeat on hosting this event.

“It’s a big impact for us. Out of 52 towns, usa mi sa napili-an as venue and that is something. This also serves as our marketing and promotions for Dalaguete,” said Victor Caruz, Dalaguete’s tourism officer. (FREEMAN)