Fitness First rules TTT race

MANILA, Philippines - Fitness First reasserted its mastery of the field as it took the Team Time Trial crown in the recent Tour of Matabungkay for the third straight year.

Fitness First bucked the loss of skipper and country manager Mark Ellis, who crashed out of the race, as the rest dished out a solid team effort to reign again.

“After a strong performance in the first road stage, Fitness First had three riders within two minutes of the overall lead. Our strategy was simply to stay with the leaders during the second road stage,” said Fitness First member Jon Urrutia.

Ellis, in contention for the overall lead, figured in a 10-man spill 30 kms into the 90-km event and dropped out of the race.

But the rest of Team Fitness First, backed by Phiten, Suunto, Rudy Project, Dupont, Victoria Court, Gatorade and Juice.Ph, stayed focused and dominated the Team Time Trial stage with Urrutia finishing third overall after the four stages.

It was Fitness First’s third win in team trial following victories in Parañaque and Subic.