New national pool members shine in CDO triathlon

MANILA, Philippines - Jonard Saim and Sixto Abeth Lalanto proved they deserved their slots in the national pool as they turned in solid performances in National Age Group Triathlon (NAGT) Series at Chali Beach Resort in Cagayan De Oro City, Misamis Oriental last Sunday.

Saim, who hails from South Cotabato, pulled the rug from under national team member and CDO bet Philip Jurolan to win line honors in the race organized by Triathlon Association of the Philippines (TRAP) and presented by Speedo in cooperation with Misamis Oriental under the leadership of Gov. Oscar Moreno.

A total of 85 age groupers from different region in Mindanao saw action in the event under the supervision of event director Dr. Hilda Robles and race director Wilson Lu with Del Monte, Caltes-Delo, Cobra Energy Drink, Castrol, Capitol University Medical City, Philippine Olympic Committee and Philippine Sports Commission as backers.

Saim, 23, rebounded from a slow start in the 1km swim with a big showing in the 30km bike as he produced the best split at 45 minutes and 53 seconds, turning the 7.5km run to a virtual victory run.

Together with splits of 16:07 in the swim and 28:15 in the run, Saim clocked1:30:15 to claim the gold in the 20-24 male age group.