Junior cyclist stamps class in Industry Run

CEBU, Philippines - Using running as her cross-training, 13-year-old cyclist Ana Patricia “Icamax”  Maximo of Santini SMS surprised herself when she grabbed first place honors in the 3K women's open category of the Industry Run yesterday at the South Road Properties (SRP).

The incoming grade 8 student of Sacred Heart School-Hijas de Cebu, a 2-time silver medalist in the recent Philippine National Games Track Cycling Championships, clocked 15:50 minutes, with more than three minutes to spare ahead from 2nd placer Lonie Bacalla (19:33) and 3rd Pamela Ruiz (20:31).

Their male counterpart winners were Ranillo Edillon (12:32 mins), Anthony Mesa (13:20) and Brett Tabanas (13:23).

Preventing another possible all-Kenyan show, local standout Noel Tillor squeezed himself in the podium by finishing 2nd in the men's 21K with a time of 1:15:36, one minute behind the gold medal winner Douglas Mwiti (1:14:36). Francis Kakui settled for 3rd with a time of 1:26:18.

In one of the tightest finishes of the event, a mere three seconds separated the women's 21K winners Joery Lee (1:37:08) and Mereens Ramirez (1:37:11). A distant third place went to Sandra Soliano at 1:43:51.

Another close encounter at the finish line was the showdown between Joel Delposo who finished first in the men's 12K with a time of 43:04. Riez Enriquez crossed the finish line six seconds later at 43:1. Robert Daang failed to join the duo's show and settled for bronze at 44:17.

The top three in the women's 12K were Kisha Delechos (1:01:30),Merlita Dunkin (1:02:38) and Lucille Ruiz (1:03:42).

The fastest in the men's 6K division were Michael Largo (21:18), Jieter Bada (22:37) and Jodel Bataliran (23:24). Not to be outdone were the female 6K medal winners Karla Cosep (30:03), Irish Delechos (30:47) and Carmela Luterte (41:43). (FREEMAN)