Biag, Malolot top TRI-Factor Asian Series

MANILA, Philippines — Billy Biag flashed superb form and dominated the long distance triathlon while Mark Malolot held off Jade Albar in the standard distance as they shared top honors in the TRI-Factor Asian Championship Series at the CamSur Watersports Complex in Camarines Sur yesterday.

Biag clocked 3:19:04.4 to rule the grueling 1.5km swim-60km bike-15km run event, beating Renel Brecenio (3:27:05.9) by almost eight minutes while Anthony Llaguno III timed 3:50:30 to place third overall in the event, capping the two-day, novel triathlon event which featured a four-leg mass participation series composed of individual swim, bike and run events and a finale triathlon.

Malolot, on the other hand, ruled the 1.5km swim-40km bike-10km run in 2:27:31, foiling Albar, who clocked 2:31:09 while Ryan Laurino placed third overall in 2:38:43 followed by Edgar Cabalero (2:46:37) and Ricky Busran (2:51:59) in the event graced by actor Gerard Anderson and his Team Da Rossa and Ms Earth Air 2016 Michelle Gomez.

Biag likewise topped the 35-44 age-group with Brecenio claiming the crown in the 25-34 category and Regina Rosquites the female 25-34 section of the event which served as the third leg of this year’s Asian Series and hosted by CamSur where athletes also provided school supplies to indigent kids under the Race to Give program.

“I’m looking forward to another cheerful event next year – the people, the place and CamSur are just amazing,” said Elvin Ting, manager director of organizing Orange Room Pte Ltd.

Sharing the spotlight are the top 3 finishers in relay in the Open division of the long distance triathlon, led by Bolima Madler, Platilla Margarito and Lagyap Marino (3:02:32.7), Hezron Vasquez, Gil Peña Jr. and Dave de Vera (3:18:47.6) and Ruben Mariano, Inocencio Parza and Dennis Suz (3:27:36.8).

“When you’re focused on finishing the race, it is the most amazing feeling. Nothing else matters but to see yourself cross the finish line,” said Gov. MigsVillafuerte, who also graced the event with Rep. LRay Villafuerte with Elle Adda as host.

The age group winners were Malolot, (16-24),  Laurino (25-34 division) and Busran (35-44) who also gained berths in the TRI-Factor Series in Thailand plus overnight stay in Caramoan islands.

In the sprint distance (740m swim-20K bike-5K run), John Caleb Barlin took the overall crown (1:08.29), beating Louie Ibo (1:12.52 ) and Roman Bonagua (1:14.46). They also took the top three in the 16-29 category.

Other winners were Junior Oba (30-44, 1:29.43), Aldo Turiano (45-above, 1:33.40) Faith Robertson (16-29, 1:27.28) and Keigh Pascual (30-44, 1:32.30).