Ang, Santiago reign in Anvaya triathlon

MANILA, Philippines - Levy Ang marked his return to triathlon on a winning note while Geraldine Santiago banked on her riding skills as they ruled the third Anvaya Cove Invitational Triathlon at the Anvaya Cove Beach and Nature Club in Bataan yesterday.

The 39-year old Ang, who skipped the first two stagings of the event organized by the Triathlon Association of the Philippines (TRAP) in cooperation with ACBNC, made a change of heart and decided to compete this year.

“I really wanted to join first because I wanted to see the beautiful scenes and to get a feel of how tough the race course was especially the bike route,” said Ang.

Ang went on to submit the fastest clocking in the men’s division by topping the 3km climb from the main clubhouse leading to the main gate.

A winner of an age group division early this year, Ang negotiated the 30-km bike course in one hour 14 minutes, 12.75 seconds en route to the best time of the race at 2:05:48.

Elmer Santiago came in second in 2:07:55 while Rafael Ocampo clocked 2:08:20 for third.

Santiago, meanwhile, also showed her riding prowess to top the ladies side in 2:28:12. Stephanie Frondoso and Vanessa Aguirre took the next two spots with 2:44:25 and 2:50:54 clockings, respectively.

The victory was sweet for the 40-year old Santiago, who erased the stigma of his failed bid in the 2008 inaugurals where she quit the race due to a foot injury.

A record field of 156 trathletes, led by Fernando Zobel De Ayala who’s Ayala Land Inc. (ALI) developed the world-class facility. Globe Telecoms was the main sponsor with support from Ayala Land Premier, Folded & Hung, Dream Cable, Courtesy Point, Nestle, Subic Shutter Club, Power Chemical, Pacific Winds Courier Services and Veda SPA.

“We’re very happy with the huge turnout this year as the big field showed that triathlon is not just a serious lifestyle sport but also fun and entertainment among friends and families,”said Laurent Lamasuta, head of management group of ACBNC.

The event also drew competitors from Hong Kong and Chinese Taipei who promised to return and bring more teammates next year.

Also sharing the spotlight were Emma and Donato Antonio Pangilinan, who ruled the Super Tri-Kids female 13 to 15 and male 11-12, respectively.

The Altura family composed of Albert, Monica and Marc Alexander emerged champion in the first ever relay team race with time of 2:06:58.

Other winners were Kevin Lyndonn Eijansantos (16-24), Mark Santos (25-29), Elmer Santiago (30-34), Raul Cuevas (35-39), Raffy Cuevas (40-44), Ernesto Lopez (45-49), Niels Have (50-54) and George Juico (60-over) in the male while Griselda Bausa-Go (35-34) and Ibe Chan (45-over) emerged champions in the female age groups.

In the Super Tri-Kids, Cohen Ishane and Anabelle Mialhe ruled the boys and girls 8-under (aquathlon), Nathan Nalo and Nicole Danielle Eijansantos in the boys and girls 9-10 class, Donato Antonio Pangilinan and Jasmine Have in the boys and girls 11-12 division and Gabriel Allen Santiago and Emma Pangilinan in the boys and girls 13-15 class.