Echavez-Lopez leads Cebuano winners in Safeguard 5150 triathlon

CEBU, Philippines – Cebu's triathlon queen Lorhiz Echavez-Lopez bannered the list of triumphant Cebuano competitors in the Safeguard 5150 Triathlon yesterday at  Bellevue in Panglao Island, Bohol.

In a resounding follow-up to her victory in Hunat Sugbu Triathlon last week in Argao, Echavez-Lopez went on to rule the all-Filipino women's elite category with the best time of two hours, 36 minutes and 48 seconds in the standard distance race.

Echavez-Lopez, backed up by Omega Pro, clocked in 24:11 in swim, 1:12:08 in bike, and 54:33 in the run discipline of this three-in-one sport.

Christine Grace Hipol placed second with the time of 2:41:29, while Noemi Andrea Galeos occupied the third spot in 2:43:39.

Another Cebuana entry, Cianyl Gonzalez with a personal best time of 2:45:07.

In the men's division, John Philip Duenas could only settle for third behind overall champion Banjo Norte, who registered the fastest time of 2:09:13. Duenas crossed the finish line in 2:15:07.  The Cebu-based Joseph Miller and Jorry  Ycong wound up fifth and sixth, respectively.

The ever daring Jose Merdino Lim is also back on the groove, winning the top spot in the 30-34 age group with the time of 2:24:13.

The Guidicellis also had a good time in Bohol, with Gianluca dominating the 50-54 class in 2:42:51. Her daughter Giorgia placed second in the girls 2024 with the time of 3:12:44, while Matteo landed at fourth in the men’s 20-24 class with a 2:30:33 clocking.

Alberto Solis and Jose Mari Colmenares added glitter to Cebu’s bid after posting a 1-1 finish in the 45-49 category with the time of 2:37:03 and 2:38:51.

Several other Cebuano bets also had a podium finish. Kimberly Mae Dominic Lao copped the third place honors in the women’s 20-24 (3:21:21) followed closely by Evangeline Marie Hayco (3:24:05),  Jeff  Codino ended up second in the men’s 35-39 (2:28:26), Mizraym Capangpangan was third in the 30-34 class (3:18:01), Maria Victoria Tan and Rowena Duarte wound up third and fourth in the women's 40-44, while Christine Carvajal finished second in the women's 45-49.

Team Tri Me and Team Cebu Home Builders, on the other hand, had a 2-3 finish in the mixed relay action.  (FREEMAN)