Catiil rules men's long distance triathlon

MANILA, Philippines - Transition from the Olympic distance to long distance triathlon was hardly a problem for Neil Catiil and Sandra Araullo-Gonzales as they ruled the first TriKing Long Distance Triathlon held yesterday at the Matabungkay Beach Resort and Hotel in Lian, Batangas.

Catiil, The 23-year old Cagayan de Oro native, leaned on his strength in the bike to pull away from his rivals led by reigning Philippine Half Ironman champion Celnan Jopson and dominate the 2K swim, 60K bike and 15K run organized by Bike King with TRAP officiating the event.

“The odds were on my side because of the 5K climb, although I was a bit at a loss because this is the first time since December that I am competing in our country and could not train well because of the heavy rains in Cagayan de Oro,” said Catiil, who timed three hours, 18 minutes, 51 seconds.

Jopson came in a far second at 3:27:09 in this race supported by The Philippine STAR, PLDT SME Nation, 100 Plus Drink as the official drink and MBRH.

“This is his first long distance triathlon race but he was racing it like an Olympic distance. He really is the future of Philippine triathlon,” said Jopson, the former Asian Junior triathlon champion.

August Benedicto, the country’s top duathlete who is being supported by Paniqui Mayor Miguel “Dors” Rivilla, placed third in 3:29:04.

A former two-time silver medalist of the Southeast Asian Games, Gonzales ran a calculated race, conserving her energy for the run leg to upstage Doray Ellis in the female elite of the event also supported by Summit Mineral Water, Polar Insulated Bottle, Orbea, Corratec, Knog and Corima.

“The last time I competed in an actual race was two years ago and I was really nervous. I had a number of minor mistakes and at times didn’t know what to do. This is a good experience as I can prepare myself better in future long distance events,” explained Gonzales who clocked in at 3:56:12.

Ellis came in 3:59:37 while Joyette Jopson finished at third place in 4:08:32.

The three top finishers in the elite categories received medals from Bike King CEO and TRAP director Raul Cuevas ably assisted by MBRH General Manager Rico Violeta.

Aside from elite class, action also took place also in the Age Group and Team competition with the Philippine Triathlon Team made up of Epoy Jurolan, Mirasol Abad and John Leerams Chicano beating Globe my Super Plan and Globe Super Duo squads.

Male age group winners were Benjamin Rana (18-29), Philip Atento (30-39), Mark Ellis (40-49), and Albino Alindogan (50 & over) while Jessica Silva (18-29) and Laarni Pareds (30 & over) were crowned champions in the female age group.

Tirso De Luna received a special award for being the oldest finisher.