2nd Cebu City Triathlon gets underway today

CEBU, Philippines – Around 200 athletes will plunge into action as the 2nd Cebu City Triathlon takes place early morning today at the Cebu City Sports Center.

Aside from defending champion Justin Chiongbian and his brother Yuan, all eyes will be on the newly-aquired Rider Omega Pro elite Paul Jumamil in the sprint distance race.

Expectations are high for the Tagbilaran City-native Jumamil having plucked a series of victories last year. Earlier this month, he topped the Altitude Off-Road Triathlon in Bukidnon.

In the distaff side, the likes of Aaliyah Mataragnon and Cianyl Gonzalez are among the top contenders to watch.

Aside from the elite division, there will also be an age-group action, but only those in the elite class will get cash prizes

Steve Maniquis of the organizing Cornerstone Group said athletes must sign up in the elite class to qualify for the cash reward.

"If they finish ahead of the elites but registered under the age-group, they won't get the cash prize. They have to register as an elite to get the reward," said Maniquis. (FREEMAN)