Duenas leads top Cebuano performers

CEBU, Philippines- Former runner-turned triathlete John Philip Duenas overcame a slow swim and a tough run to remain as the best-placed Cebuano finisher in the all-Filipino elite category of the 2014 Cobra Ironman 70.3 Philippines yesterday at Shangri-La’s Mactan Resort and Spa.

Duenas came out 18th in the 1.9-kilometer open water course with the time of 35 minutes and 42 seconds, but immensely improved his pedal-pushing skills to complete the 90km bike portion in two hours, 34 minutes and 41 seconds. He continued to pounce on in the 21km run, avoiding the same mistakes he had last year, to claim the second spot overall anew with a total time of four hours, 41 minutes and 59 seconds.

Cebu-based Xterra Pro Joseph Miller started well among the local elite triathletes, but Duenas overtook him in the final five kilometers of the run phase.

Another Cebuano entry in Kristiane Glendale Lim came out close third to Duenas as Gerrie Calinawan, Elmo Clarabal, and Mendel Lopez occupied the seventh to 10th spots.

In the women's mixed relay action, marathon record-holder Mary Joy Tabal capitalized on her running prowess to anthor Team Roro to the title together with University of San Carlos swimming varsity Keith Ocampo and biker Polanco Mayor Pinpin Uy.

RDAK Transporter-A, an all-Cebu team, also had something to celebrate for after improving its third place finish to second in the men's mixed relay, thanks to the efforts of Ivy Suarez, national cyclist John Mier and John Darrel Manos.

Interestingly, the team supported by brothers Regan and Rere King almost did not make it to the race after Mier suffered a flat tire during his last practice and nearly missed the bike check-in’s cut-off time.

In the distaff side, Cebu's homegrown talents also made their presence felt. Lorhiz Echavez-Lopez emerged as the best Cebuana podium finisher at fourth overall with the time of 5:51:14.

Cianyl Gonzalez wound up fourth in 5:58:32, while Elona Louise “Louie” Villacin took the sixth spot with a 6:06:42 clocking.

Actor Matteo Guidicelli made his fellow Cebuanos proud not only with his ready smile along the way, but also for finishing fifth in a field of 30 entries in 18-24 age group with the time of five hours, 28 minutes and 43 seconds. In the same bracket, Jorry Ycong placed third in 5:13:45. Tyrone Tang also topped the CEO category. (FREEMAN)