MANILA, Philippines - New finds from Zambales provided the surprise and the sparkle during the three-day Unilab Active Health Bike United held last weekend at the Subic Bay Freeport (SBF).
On Day One, Zamba Cycling Team rider Calvin Acierto topped Category 3 riders who competed in the 90K road race with a time of two hours, 37 minutes, 45 seconds. Romeo Camingao (Excellent Noodles) checked in second in 2:38:26 while third place went to Fitness First Platinum’s Jon Urrutia (2:39:34).
In Category 4, another new face in Rommel Morong of Zamba Cycling dominated the 90K race in 2:47:45. Mark Rivera of Bike King Orbea and Kristian Juan of Army Navy South Tri came in next with identical times of 2:48:41.
The event was supported by Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority, Subic Holiday Villas, Subic Homes, Timex, Pocari Sweat, Crystal Clear Water, Artistocrat Subic Bay and Yellow Cab.
In the distaff side, former national duathlete and cyclist Kaye Lopez of Team David’s Salon shared the podium with Acierto and Morong in the Category 4 in 3:14:05. Teammate Mimi Lucas came in second more than five minutes later while Trisha Chiongbian-Concepcion of Boys Get Chicked won the bronze.
On the next day, Acierto earned himself another title after outclassing Romeo Camingao (Excellent Noodles) by 36 seconds to win the 85K Category 3 in 2:31:52. Jeremy Mirasol of Team Von Dutch timed 2:32:28 for the bronze.
Morong also reigned in Category 4, edging out Franklin Peñalosa of Timex TMM (2:36:24.) and teammate Danilo Adarne (2:38:00).
Morong and Acierto both came from the multisport development team sponsored by Zambales Governor Jun Ebdane.
Lopez also topped Category 4 title on Day Two but she had to overcome Monica Torres (Boys Get Chicked) whom she beat by a whisker at the finish line. Both Lopez and Torres registered times of 2:54:09 while third place went to Lucas (3:02:36).
On the 20K team time trials, team Fitness First took the gold (27:35), followed Team Von Dutch (27:40) and Zamba (27:47). Top three finishers in the women’s side were Boys Get Chicked (30:34), David’s Salon (33:02) and Army Navy South Tri (34:24).
On day three, Jeremy Mirasol (Von Dutch) topped the 40K time trial in 59:05 followed by Jon Urrustia of Fitness First Platinum (59:23) ) and teammate Paolo Sauler, (59:50). Top three in the ladies side were Torres (1:05 ), teammate Doray (1:09) and Trisha Chiongbian-Concepcion of BGC/Polo Tri.