Santiago, Echauz rule Speedo triathlon

MANILA, Philippines - Multi-titled Allen Santiago and Magali Bernasconi Echauz hurdled the challenge from fellow national pool members and Youth Olympic Games hopefuls to lead winners in yesterday’s fifth Speedo National Age Group Triathlon (NAGT) Series at the Narra Park inside Ayala Alabang Village in Muntinlupa City.

The 15-year old Santiago found ways of winning despite climbing out at seventh place after the swim leg to gain headway in the search for potential Filipino triathletes who will represent the country in the 2014 Youth Olympic Games in Nanjing, China.

“I got caught with a bunch of swimmers in the chase group and came out of the water at seventh place. I made my move in the bike and got the lead halfway in the race. But it was in the run where I increased my pace for the victory,” said Santiago, who negotiated the mini-sprint race at (300m swim, 12K bike, 2.8K run) in 31 minutes, 13 seconds.

At second place in the highlight race of the event organized by the Triathlon Association of the Philippines (TRAP) with Speedo as its sponsor and hosted by the Ayala Alabang Village Association (AAVA) was Olongapo City find Jimuel Niko Patilan (32:57) while Jose Nobles, who emerged the fastest in the swim leg and was 10 seconds ahead of Santiago, settled for third place (33:06).

 “It is my dream to compete in the Olympics since not all athletes are given this opportunity and I’m going to strive hard to be able to attain my goal,” said Santiago, a Letran fourth year high school student who also won a gold and bronze medals in the Singapore Duathlon and Osim International Triathlon, respectively.

The 14-year old Echauz, meanwhile, was trouble-free in winning the race despite her first time to race in Alabang.

 “Except for the hilly portion, everything went fine with me,” said Echauz, who clocked 36:14 and was a 1: 59 ahead of Victoria Deldio (38:03). The bronze medal went to Jessica Salazar (40:45).

TRAP president Tom Carrasco Jr. said the top five boys and girls 13-15 triathletes at the end of the year would form the pool of talents for the 2014 YOG where triathlon make its much-awaited debut.

A total of 390 triathletes took part in the race also supported by Gatorade, David’s Salon, Century Tuna, Fitness First, Asian Centre for Insulation, Phil., Standard Insurance, AAVA, POC and PSC.

The number eclipsed the old record of 350 participants established last June 12 with the Animo Sprint Triathlon.

The bulk of the triathletes saw action in the sprint distance (900m swim, 30K bike, 7K run) which Philippine National Games gold medalist Kevin Lyndonn Eijansantos ruled in 1:40:10 to also claim the gold medal in the men’s 16-19 age group.

For his feat, Eijansantos will be invited to join the national pool next year.

Mark Alexander Altura and Natasha Davis topped the Adult mini-sprint while Wetshop Todo 1 composed of Johnmar Gonzales, Tour champion Santy Barnachea and noted runner Elmer Sabal ruled the relay competition.

Other winners: Males – Jaime Miguel Navarro (20-24), Martin Carandang (25-29), Kiko Abante (30-34), Junrox Roque (35-39), Erwin Merida (40-44), Greg Banzon (45-49), Tatsuya Kanai (50-54) and Willy Yao (60-over); females – Michelle Estuar (30-39) and Ivy Mendoza (40-above); Anton Lorenzo and Joy Ejercito (residents).