Phl duathletes hold own vs elite rivals

MANILA, Philippines - The campaign on developing competitive duathletes for the 2013 World Games is on track as all Philippine team members finished in the Top 10 Elite categories in the recently held Powerman Malaysia at Seri Manjung, Perak, Malaysia.

Robeno Javier and Mirasol Cabalenio Abad carried the fight for the lean and mean Philippine contingent sent by Triathlon Association of the Philippines (TRAP) and supported by the Philippine Sports Commission as they took fifth place in the men’s Open and women’s Open divisions, respectively which included several of the world’s top duathletes.

Robeno clocked in at three hours, one minute, 55 seconds to emerge as the top Asian finisher while August Benedicto (3:02:57), Carlo Pedregosa (3:10:15) and newcomer Robinson Estevez (3:15:22) finished at sixth, ninth and 10th, respectively.

On the distaff side, Phl Team’s Mirasol Cabelenio Abad negotiated the race in 3:19:23 and her performance was nine minutes faster compared to her performance the previous year. 

This year’s edition however was tougher as the largest duathlon race in Asia drew three of the top five male and two of the best female duathletes in the world.

Belgium’s Rob Woestenborgh ruled the men’s Open event in 2:40:15.