Benedicto, Stroh in fiery finish in Tri-United

UNILAB Active Health triathletes August Benedicto and Anna Stroh showed class as they ruled the challenging Tri United 3 yesterday that started at the Dungaree Beach at Subic Bay Freeport and ended at the Sandbox, Alviera, Porac, Pampanga.

No less than United Laboratories Inc. President and CEO Clinton Campos Hess witness the race with Jan Evangelista, ULAH’s VP, who fired the starting gun kicking off hostilities among roughly 700 triathletes.

The 30-year-old Benedicto negotiated the lung-busting 1.9-k swim, 90-k bike and 21-k run event organized by Bike King and supported by ULAH, ENERVON ACTIV, Active Health Sport Gel, Enervon HP and Pocari Sweat in four hours, 47 minutes and 02 seconds to claim his first Tri United title this year.

Coming out at 10th place after the first transition, Benedicto slowly built up his momentum in the bike course using the SCTEX to catch up with early pace setter and veteran John Abdul before unloading his might in the run leg for the solid finish.

“The bike course was very challenging because of the uphill and the strong head wind,” said Benedicto.

“But I really prepared hard for this event for the past two months and my hard work was greatly rewarded,” added Benedicto, who had a pair of third place finishes in the first two Tri United races.

Stroh, meanwhile, withstood the challenge posted by Kristina Beckendorf in the elite female category in this race that also drew the backings of Alaxan FR, Hydrite, Aboitiz, AboitizPower, OtterBox, Shimano, Maxxis, Crystal Clear, Orbea, Saucoy and TIMEX.

The two lady triathletes went toe-to-toe in the first two events but Stroh, the Tri Unted 2 winner, came out first in second transition to eventually pull away.

Stroh clocked at 5:20:59 and was almost ten minutes ahead of Beckendorf with 5:30:55 in this event also backed by Men’s Health Magazine, Women’s Health magazine, The Philippine Star and Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Tourism Department.

“Kristina passed me in the last kilometer in the bike but I was faster in T2 and came out first and she never came close to me,” said Stroh.

“It was a great race but challenging because it was windy in the bike and hot in the run. But I really enjoyed the race,” added the 35-year-old champion.

Other male winners in this race that also had Sandbox at Alviera, BCDO, SCTEX, SFEX and MNTC as venue partners were Timbol Deo (18-24), Robinson Esteves (25-29), Ralph Jerome Salvador (30-34), Jeff Valdez (35-39), Rayzon Galdonez (40-44), Jojo Macalintal (45-49), Joevic Pajarillo (50-54), Thomas Kuhne (55-above) while Ceri Ruzzi (30-34), Amanda Carpo-Bond (35-39), Bernadette Tan (40-44) and Sandra Reid (45-above) completed the champions in the women’s side.

Last Minute Tri Team A made up of Rafael Dominic Echiverri, Aaron Paul Quintia and Jeffrey Sotto won first place in the Team Relay division. Complete results are available at bikekingphilippines.com. (People's Tonight)

http://www.journal.com.ph/index.php/sports/other-sports/benedicto-stroh-in-fiery-finish

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Tough competition seen in Sunday’s Tri United 3 triathlon

A HARD battle between rivals looms in the distance with the staging of the much anticipated Tri United 3 this Sunday, starting at 6 a.m. at Subic Bay and concluding at Alviera, Porac, Pampanga.

In the Male Open competition of the first-ever triathlon to use the Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway, August Benedicto will test his might against the likes of Benjamin Rana Jr., Dan Brown and Philip Atento.

Without the presence of his rivals from the National Team, Benedicto is seen as the heavy favorite, although Rana could pull off an upset.

In the distaff side in the event sponsored by Unilab Active Health, Enervon Activ, Active Health Sports Gel, Enervon HP, Alaxan FR, Hydrite, Aboitiz, AboitizPower, OtterBox, Shimano, Maxxis, Crystal Clear, Pocari Sweat, Orbea, Saucony, Timex, Men’s Health magazine, Women’s Health magazine, the Philippine Star, the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority Tourism Department and venue partners Sandbox at Alviera, BCDA, SCTEX, SFEX and MNTC, 2014 Tri United series points leader Anna Stroh will try to repeat her Tri United 2 gold medal finish as she faces rival Ani Karina De Leon-Brown (Tri United 2’s second placer).

Kristina Beckendorf is the other competitor.

The Team Relay competition, meanwhile, has attracted 53 teams.

Tri United 3 will mark the end of the series and its results will be known afterwards. On Nov. 10 the Tri United series winners (1st to 3rd place) will be awarded.

For the 2015 season of Tri United, registration for TU1 up to TU3 will open on Nov. 15. To register, interested parties are welcome to visit www.bikekingphilippines.com. (Manila Standard Today)

http://manilastandardtoday.com/2014/10/23/tough-competition-seen-in-sunday-s-tri-united-3-triathlon/

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TriUnited slated on Oct. 26 in Subic

TRIATHLETES from around the nation will have the opportunity to test their endurance when Unilab Active Health’s Tri United 3 unfolds on Oct. 26.

For the first time since its inception in 2011, the event organized by Bike King, headed by Raul Cuevas and presented by ULAH, will feature a point-to-point race course that will cover a lung-busting distance at 112.9 kilometers, stretching from the Subic Bay Freeport up to Alviera, Porac, Pampanga.

Tri United 3 will be the first triathlon event in the country to use the SCTEX (Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway) for its bike leg.

Race starts with a 1.9-k swim at the Dungaree Beach at Subic Bay Freeport before participants take on their bike for a 90-k race from Dungaree to the Sandbox, Alviera in Porac, Pampanga using the SCTEX. Winding up the grueling race is a half marathon race (21-k) around Porac.

Entry list is now at around 650 triathletes and they will vie for honors in the male and female Elite, Age Groups and Team competition in the event supported by ULAH, Enervon Activ, Active Health Sports Gel, Enervon HP, Alaxan FR, Hydrite, Aboitiz, AboitizPower, OtterBox, Shimano, Maxxis, Crystal Clear, Orbea, Saucony, Pocari Sweat, Timex, Men’s Health magazine, Women’s Health magazine, the Philippine Star, the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority Tourism Department and venue partners Sandbox at Alviera, BCDA, SCTEX, SFEX and MNTC.

A cut-off time will be implemented in the swim, bike and run legs to ensure the safety of the participants. For the bike leg, most routes inside the Subic Bay Freeport will be closed to traffic while the entire Tarlac-bound lane of the SCTEX from Tipo to Porac exit will be closed off to motorists until the cut-off period.

Cash prizes of P10,000, P6,000 and P4,000 will be handed out to the top three finishers in the Elite class aside from medals and gift packs. (Manila Standard Today)

http://manilastandardtoday.com/2014/10/13/triunited-slated-on-oct-26/

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Recyclable boats set sail in Subic

Boats made out of recycled materials set sail in the waters of Subic Bay last Saturday at the Lighthouse Marina Resort for the International Coastal Cleanup Zambales Recyclable Regatta challenge.

Teams from different companies, local government units and non-government organizations built their own boats made out of 80 percent recycled materials and raced 100 meters to shore to prove that even trash can be used wisely.

Argee Gomez, Marketing Manager of Harbor Point Mall said that “The purpose of this event is to heighten awareness about plastic pollution and integrate creative outlets that will further educate the public that we can turn our trash as useful tools.”

Most of the boats were made out of plastic bottles, gallons, used styrofoam and wood or bamboo. Makeshift paddles were also made to stir the boats while racing.

Teams braved the waves and strong winds with their make shift boats as the fastest tandem finished the 100-meter course in just under seven minutes, and the last came in 15 minutes later.

“The hardest part of the race is going up to the mark because of the waves and strong winds. After that it was fairly easy because we were just riding the waves back to the shore like surfers,” said Jeric Ejanda from Team Lighthouse.

The team of Ejercito Estrada and Jeric Ejanda from Lighthouse Marina Resort finished first, followed by Brothers Anthony and David Bayarong of Batang Gapo News TV and on third was Marion Baldueza and Michelle Rillon of Red Cross Olongapo.

All teams were winners, since the top three finishers were given major prizes courtesy of Harbor Point Mall, while all other participants went home with consolation prizes provided by Lighthouse Marina Resort Legacy Foundation.

This event is in line with the International Coastal Cleanup-Zambales (ICCZ) on September 20, 2014. The data collected during the cleanup are used for science-based solutions to tackle challenges like ocean trash, and according to cleanup data, plastic items are in the top 10 pollutants which mostly end up in our waterways.

By applying the principles of “Reduce. Reuse. Recycle”, all can make a difference in protecting the environment, the organizers said. (David Bayarong, Sun Star Pampanga)

PHOTO: (courtesy of Lighthouse Marina)

[1] The SBMA Fire Department team rows for the homestretch with their boat made out of recycled materials

[2] Watercrafts made out of recycled materials all lined up at the waterfront beach of Subic Bay Freeport


http://www.sunstar.com.ph/pampanga/local-news/2014/09/09/recyclable-boats-set-sail-subic-364437

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1,800 triathletes troop to Subic for 5i50 triathlon

Over 1,800 triathletes arrived in this free port for the 2014 Century Tuna 5i50 Triathlon on Sunday, marking the biggest number of participants in any Olympic-distance race to be held in the country.

In the third straight year that Subic has hosted the race, participating athletes again pitted themselves against a challenging course set against the picturesque locale and well-preserved environment of this former military base.

Among last Sunday’s racers, Australian Casey Munro topped the men’s pro elite division after completing the course which involved a 1.5-kilometer swim leg, 40-kilometer bike leg, and 10-kilometer run course.

Munro, who placed fifth in the Ironman 70.3 Busselton and Geelong competitions, finished the race in 2 hours, 7 minutes and 22 seconds.

Coming in at second was fellow Australian and last year’s third placer Michael Murphy, who clocked in at 2:08:26, while 2008 Olympian Simon Agoston placed third with 2:09:13.

Caroline Steffen, who won this year’s Ironman Australia Asia-Pacific tourney, led the women’s pro elite division with 2:15:32, followed by Australian Belinda Granger with 2:25:05, and Monica Torres of the
Philippines with 2:28:20.

Jonard Saim led the local triathletes by topping the Filipino men’s elite with 2:13:45, followed by Banjo Norte with 2:14:46, and last year’s winner John Leerams Chicano with 2:15:20.

The Subic Bay Freeport has been earning raves as the triathlon capital of the Philippines after playing host to several major triathlon events like the Subic International Triathlon and the 2014 Family Challenge Philippines.

The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority Chairman Roberto Garcia said the agency has been maintaining the beauty of the free port and building better facilities and accommodations to further develop Subic as a premier sporting and tourist destination. (FMD/MPD-SBMA)

PHOTOS:
"Mermaids" and “Ironman” on flyboard provide entertainment for spectators and triathletes at the start of the 2014 Century Tuna 5i50 Triathlon held at the Subic Bay Freeport on June 29.

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Swiss, Aussie rule Century Tuna 5150 triathlon

Subic Bay, Philippines — Debuting Caroline Steffen of Switzerland and Casey Munro of Australia wasted little time making their marks in the Century Tuna 5150 Triathlon, dominating the premiere pro division races right on their first tries here yesterday.

A champion in Ironman 70.3 competitions but vying in the 5150 Olympic distance triathlon race for the very first time, Steffen blitzed the opposition and wrested the women’s pro diadem from three-peat-seeking Australian Belinda Granger with so much to spare.

Steffen, nicknamed “Xena” after the TV heroine, finished the 1.5k swim, 40k bike and 10k run race inside the SBMA in 2:15:32, blowing past Granger who checked in much later at 2:25:05.

Local ace Monica Torres hoisted the Phl flag as she came in third with her 2:28:20 effort.

Steffen’s training buddy Munro made an equally impressive romp in the men’s pro category of the Century Tuna-sponsored event that drew 1,285 participants.

A former pro cyclist, Munro banked on his riding skills to lay the foundation for a victorious campaign in 2:07:22, beating compatriot Michael Murphy (2:08:26) and Simon Agoston (2:09:13) for the title.

Jonard Saim ruled the men’s Filipino elite category, clocking 2:13:45 against Banjo Norte’s 2:14:46 and John Chicano’s 2:15:20.

Ma. Claire Adorna topped the distaff side, submitting 2:32:45 against Jenny Rose Guerrero’s 2:42:28 and Lea Coline Langit’s 2:46:26. (Manila Standard Today)

PHOTO:
Swiss Caroline Steffen (left) and Casey Munro of Australia raise the finish line banner as they dominate their respective divisions in the Century Tuna 5150 Triathlon in Subic yesterday.

http://manilastandardtoday.com/2014/06/30/swiss-aussie-rule-century-tuna-5150-triathlon/

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Delos Reyes claims Subic bike fest title

Bike King’s Joey Delos Reyes showed his might in the road race as he topped the punishing 90-kilometer Stage three to also steal the overall individual title in Category 2 at the close of the Bike United Tour of Subic 2014 last Sunday at the Subic Bay Freeport.

The 26-year-old bike mechanic and Unilab Active Health’s Ben Rana pulled away from the peloton right after the first 25-kilometers before the two engaged in an exciting sprint finish won by Delos Reyes.

“Mas gusto ko ang ahon kesa sa flat kaya talagang plano ko na umatake agad,” said Delos Reyes who negotiated the race that saw stiff uphill climbs in two hours 38 minutes and 46 seconds.

Fresh from a second place finish in the 60-kilometer road race Stage two, Delos Reyes accumulated a total time of 5:08:58 to win the individual title in this two-day bikefest organized by Bike King headed by Raul Cuevas and presented by Unilab Active Health.

Cebuano rider Ramonito Espinosa who seemed headed for the title after topping the first two stages, suffered a mechanical problem in the middle part of the race and arrived 14 minutes behind Delos Reyes (2:52:56).

“Naputulan ako ng kadena at ilang minuto rin ako nahinto dahil nilagyan ko pa ng clip. Sayang, kungdi nangyari ito, makakasabay ako sa kanila,” said a dejected Espinosa who settled for seventh spot over with 5:22:31 time.

Rana, who was a second behind in stage three (2:38:47), finished second overall with 5:11:22 while Mervin Santiago of Sante Barley, who came in third in the final race (2:43:00), bagged the third overall with 5:13:44.

Franzia’s lady rider Marella Vania Salamat topped the race to complete a sweep of the three stage event also supported by Aboitiz, Subic Holiday Villas, AboitizPower, Orbea, Pocari Sweat, Crystal Clear Purified Water, Shimano, OtterBox, Maxxis Tires and Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA)-Tourism Department. (Manila Bulletin)

http://www.mb.com.ph/delos-reyes-claims-subic-bike-fest-title/

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Delos Reyes edges Rana, rules Bike United Tour

Bike King’s Joey Delos Reyes dominated the road race as he topped the 90-km Stage three to likewise steal the overall individual crown in Category 2 at the close of the Bike United Tour of Subic at the Subic Bay Freeport last Sunday.

The 26-year-old bike mechanic and Unilab Active Health’s Ben Rana pulled away from the main pack right after the first 25kms before Delos Reyes outsprinted Rana in a thrilling finish.

“Mas gusto ko ang ahon kesa sa flat kaya talagang plano ko na umatake agad,” said Delos Reyes who negotiated the race that had stiff uphill climbs in two hours, 38 minutes, 46 seconds.

Fresh from a runner-up finish in the 60km road race Stage two, Delos Reyes posted a total time of 5:08:58 to win the individual title in the two-day bikefest organized by Bike King headed by Raul Cuevas and presented by Unilab Active Health.

Cebuano rider Ramonito Espinosa, who topped the first two stages, suffered a mechanical problem midway through the race and arrived 14 minutes behind Delos Reyes (2:52:56).

“Naputulan ako ng kadena at ilang minuto rin ako nahinto dahil nilagyan ko pa ng clip. Sayang, kungdi nangyari ito, makakasabay ako sa kanila,” rued Espinosa, who settled for seventh spot in 5:22:31 time.

Rana, second behind in Stage three (2:38:47), finished second overall in 5:11:22 while Mervin Santiago of Sante Barley, who came in third in the final race (2:43:00), bagged the third overall with a 5:13:44 clocking.

Franzia’s lady rider Marella Vania Salamat topped the race to complete a sweep of the three-stage event also supported by Aboitiz, Subic Holiday Villas,AboitizPower, Orbea, Pocari Sweat, Crystal Clear Purified Water, Shimano,OtterBox, Maxxis Tires and Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA)-Tourism Department.

The 20-year-old UE student taking up dentistry timed at 3:00:45 for an impressive total time of 5:36:06.

“My goal was to really go hard on the hills to determine who my rivals would be. I’m happy to have defended my title,” said Salamat.

Veteran cyclists Doray Ellis and LC Langit of Boys Get Chicked settled for a far second and third overall at 6:07:37 and 6:13:29, respectively, even as Jerard Estilo of ASG Quickspeed Philippines emerged champion in the men’s Category 3 in 5:16:17, edging Christopher Lobanon of Shell V-Power Nitro+ (5:17:12)and teammate Agustin Querimit (5:20:42).

Fitness First Cycling Team ruled the Team Competition event in 15:53:00 while Sante Barley Cycling Team took second place in 16:03:58 with Unilab Active Health Elite team finishing third at 16:21:36. (The Philippine Star)

http://www.philstar.com/sports/2014/05/21/1325562/delos-reyes-edges-rana-rules-bike-united-tour

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Hong Kong, Singapore top int’l table tennis open in Subic

Hong Kong and Singapore emerged as victors in the men’s and women’s singles events in the recently concluded GAC Group 2014 ITTF World Tour Philippine Open held at the Subic Bay Exhibition and Convention Center.

Hong Kong’s Ho Kwan Kit defeated Singapore’s top- seeded Zhan Jian four sets to two (9-11, 11-7, 11-4, 11-8, 9-11, 12-10) after overcoming third-seed Yang Zi, also from Singapore in the semi-finals.

Ho became the second player from Hong Kong to win an ITTF World Tour men’s singles title after Jiang Tianyi, who won the 2008 men’s singles title at the Brazilian Open in Belo Horizonte.

The 17-year old surprised everyone since Ho did not even place in the main draw, and was previously defeated by India’s Harmeet Desai during the qualification proceedings in Spain earlier this year.

"This competition was very tough. I did not have any expectations or baggage coming into the event, which helped; I had a lot of luck to win,” said Ho.

“At the beginning of the competition, it did not even go through my head that I could win the event. My plan was just to try my best in each match and see what happened,” he added.

In the women’s singles event, Singapore’s Feng Tianwei beat third-seed Elizabeta Samara from Romania, four sets to one (11-8, 9-11, 11-3, 11-3, 13-11).

Feng, a bronze medalist in the 2012 London Olympics, outplayed Riyo Nemoto during the semi-finals.

Winning her first World Tour title since 2011, Feng said that her journey to the top was not that easy.

“It was a tough finals. I felt tired as I have been playing quite a fair bit of matches, including during the World Championships in Tokyo. Also, my knee is slightly injured,” Feng said, adding that she is hoping to win her next challenge in Australia next week.

In the Under 21 events, Singapore dominated the finals as Chen Feng defeated Wu Shikang in the boys’ singles event, four sets to two (11-7,11-4,13-11,11-13,3-11,11-9) while Lin Ye outclassed Zhou Yihan, four sets to one (11-6,11-5,12-10,9-11,13-11). (FMD/MPD-SBMA)

PHOTO:
SBMA deputy administrator for business and tourism Ruel John Kabigting (right) awards trophy and check to Ho Kwan Kit of Hong Kong, who topped the men’s singles category of the GAC 2014 International Table Tennis Tour Challenge - Philippine Open held at the Subic Bay Exhibition and Convention Center over the weekend. Looking on is runner-up Zhan Jian of Singapore.

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Espinosa, Salamat lead bike winners

VETERAN Cebuano rider Ramonito Espinosa dominated the first two stages to boost his drive for the overall individual title in Category 2 in the Bike United Tour of Subic 2014 that stated last Saturday at the Subic Bay Freeport.

Defending women’s champion Marella Vania Salamat of Franzia seems headed for a run-away victory in the distaff side even as Fitness First is in the lead in the Team classification in this two-day bikefest organized by Bike King headed by Raul Cuevas.

The event is supported by Unilab Active Health, Aboitiz, Subic Holiday Villas, AbotizPower, Orbea, Pocari Sweat, Crystal Clear Purified Water, Shimano, OtterBox, Maxxis Tires and Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority-Tourism Department.

A total of 250 cyclists, including 37 females, are taking part this year with the 36-year-old Espinosa showing his impressive form by topping the 20-k Individual Time Trial and the 60-k road race.

Action opened early Saturday morning with Espinosa negotiating the ITT race in 28 minutes and 56 seconds to spoil the challenge posted by three Fitness First riders Jeremy Ponting (28:58), Mark Ellis (29:19) and Luis Gabino Urrutia (29:20) who settled the next three spots.

Stage 2 was disputed late afternoon of the same day and Espinosa showed legs of steel as he managed to keep pace with three other riders, that included Joey De Los Reyes of Bike King, that went on to finish the race with identical clocking of 2:00:39. (Manila Standard Today)

http://manilastandardtoday.com/2014/05/19/espinosa-salamat-lead-bike-winners/

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Philippine team battles foreign competition in Subic table tennis open

Fresh from their successful campaign in the 2014 World Team Table Tennis Championships in Tokyo, Japan, five male and four female players from the country’s national team are battling it out in the ongoing GAC-ITTF Philippine Open Challenge at the Subic Bay Exhibition and Convention Center.

Among the talents in the Philippine Team’s roster is Richard Gonzales, who won a bronze medal in the last Southeast Asian Games.

Philippine Team coach Noel Gonzales said the tournament provides great exposure to the players as they are set against better-skilled players from 14 different countries.

“Coming in from another international tournament is an advantage. Plus, since our previous tournament is also sanctioned by the ITTF (International Table Tennis Federation), I think what we earned in Japan will have a bearing here,” he said.

He proudly shared that the women’s team swept its group and won the championship during their competition in Japan.

Gonzales added that the Philippines is making history with the hosting of an ITTF tournament here in Subic, which he described as “the most suitable venue” in the country.

“This is the biggest international table tennis tournament to be held here in the Philippines, the first of its kind, so it gives people the impression that we can host this kind of events,” he said.

“I’ve been to many places in Europe and Asia for tournaments, and I must say that the SBMA (Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority) provided us with a world-class venue,” Gonzales said.

“We have heard from people who also do sporting events here, and all we hear are nothing but praises about Subic,” he added.

Atty. Ruel John Kabigting, SBMA deputy administrator for business and tourism, said that hosting the GAC-ITTF Philippine Open Challenge Series right after hosting the Ad Summit Pilipinas 2014 has been a welcome challenge for the agency.

“Being able to host two big events just days in between really makes the Subic Freeport a top venue choice, whether for sports or conferences,” Kabigting said. (FMD/MPD-SBMA)

PHOTO:
Sendrina Balatbat of the Philippines outwits Riri Audyra of Indonesia to win a match in the women’s individual category in the ongoing GAC-ITTF Philippine Open Challenge hosted by the Table Tennis Association of the Philippines (Tatap) at the Subic Bay Exhibition and Convention Center.

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240 cyclists vie in tour of Subic

A huge field of 240 cyclists and sports club members from around the nation braces for a full weekend of cycling action and scenic views as the Bike United Tour of Subic fires tomorrow at 7 a.m. at the Subic Bay Freeport Zone.

Participants will be classified into three categories with category 2 comprising advanced riders who performed well in previous Bike King races. Intermediate participants who have been active during the past 1-2 years fall under category 3 while the novice riders are grouped in category 4. Female riders will have a separate category.

Organized by Bike King, headed by Raul Cuevas, the first day action will have Stage 1, a 20-kilometer individual time trial (ITT), which starts at 7 a.m., along the Argonaut Highway with turnaround points near the New Container Terminal and near Zambales Highway before concluding at 9 a.m. At 2 p.m., Stage 2 will fire off participants of the 60 km road race and will go around farther the Freeport (Zambales Highway and Appari Road included) and finish at 4 p.m.

The final day of the race at 6 a.m. covers the Freeport and portions of Bataan through Morong past the Bataan Nuclear Power Plant.

Gift items and specially designed trophies-medals await the top three winners of each category as well as winners of the individual general classification (stages 1, 2 and 3) for categories 2 and 3 and female and the team general classification category. The awarding ceremony will be held at the Subic Holiday Villas on Sunday, at 11 a.m.

The event is sponsored by Unilab Active Health, Aboitiz, Subic Holiday Villas, AboitizPower, Orbea, Pocari Sweat, Crystal Clear Purified Water, Shimano, OtterBox, Maxxis Tires and the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority. (The Philippine Star)

http://www.philstar.com/sports/2014/05/16/1323765/240-cyclists-vie-tour-subic

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Abdul, Fule secure Asian Cup slots

Former national standout John Abdul put on an impressive performance in the recent K-Swiss ITU Subic Bay International Triathlon (SUBIT) to earn entry to the Asian Cup triathlon this October.

Abdul, who did not register as an elite competitor in any race over the last 12 months, topped the crowded 35-39 age-group in Subic with a time of 2 hours, 11 to secure an all-expense paid trip to the ITU Hong Kong International Triathlon.

Keshia Fule topped the female 25-29 age-group of the event sponsored by K-Swiss, Century Tuna, Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Tourism Department, Philippine Sports Commission (PSC), Harbor Point, Ayala Malls, Canon, Traveler’s Hotel, Blackbeard’s Seafood Island, Asian Center for Insulation Philippines (ACIP) , Gatorade, SPEEDO, Standard Insurance, and Green Triathlon to likewise obtain the same privilege.

Based on tournament rules, only non-pro, non-elite participants are qualified to win the age-grouper award and the Asian Cup triathlon trip. For this year, professionals and elite triathletes who engage in age-group competition are qualified for other age-group awards.

Other age-group winners during the tournament were (18-24), Chao Kit (18-19), Samir Hajazi (20-24), Kok Wai (male 25-29), Maris Balatibat and Chong Seak (30-34), Ani De Leon-Brown (female 35-39), Doray Ellis and Hiroshi Takei (40-44), Celma Hitalia and Mark Ellis (45-49), Elma Gabriana and Frank Lacson (50-54), Thomas Khune and Sandra Reid (55-59), and Kilhak Kunimoto (60-above). (Manila Bulletin)

http://www.mb.com.ph/abdul-fule-secure-asian-cup-slots/

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Kim wins gold for PH

ASIAN Games-bound Kim Mangrobang delivered for the Philippines as the diminutive 22-year-old triathlete came from behind to rule the Elite Under-23 female category of the K-Swiss ITU Subic Bay International Triathlon for a gold-medal finish Sunday morning inside the Subic Bay Freeport.

Finishing second in the 1.5K swim leg, Mangrobang initiated a breakaway in the 40K bike stage, but could not sustain it and decided to stay with the lead pack until the final 10K run, where she took the lead right from the start and never looked back en route to a solo finish in 2:19.08.

She was followed by Taipei bets Wei Chen Chien (2:20.54) and Yi Hui Liu (2:21.57).

“Expected ko manalo. Maganda ang training at kundisyon ko para dito. Last year fifth lang ako. I am happy with my improvement,” said Mangrobang, who is eyeing a first-ever stint in the Rio de Janeiro Olympic Games in 2016, but admitted she has to compete in international races to earn points to qualify for the Olympics.

Another Filipino and top-ranked triathlete Nikko Huelgas missed a turn early in the final run leg and lost a few seconds. He paid the price as he settled for second place in the Elite Under-23 Male category 17 seconds behind Taipei’s Pei Yen Hsu (2:00.21). The 22-year-old Huelgas clocked 2 :00.38, followed by another Filipino entry in John Leerams Chicano (2:01.37) in the race also backed by Century Tuna, SBMA, Speedo, Standard Insurance, Gatorade, Davis Salon, Asian Centre for Insulation, and Harbor Point Mall where the race finished. (Manila Standard Today)

http://manilastandardtoday.com/2014/04/29/kim-wins-gold-for-ph/

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Filipino bets strike gold in Subic

FILIPINO para-triathletes Sixto Ducay and Andy Avellana struck for gold in their respective categories in yesterday morning’s staging of the second Asian Para triathlon Championships held near the All Hands beach inside the Subic Bay Freeport.

As part of the two-day K-Swiss ITU Subic Bay International Triathlon, the event attracted 11 entries from Japan, which dominated the other categories, Malaysia and Korea aside from host Philippines.

Sorsogon native Ducay, 46 , exacted revenge against Malaysian Mohd Sabkibin Arifin in the Tri 4 category to take the gold, clocking 1:17.9 in the 750m swim-20K bike-5 K run race;

Arifin, who beat Ducay last year in the same race, finished in 1:18.12.

A minimal cerebral palsy victim in his right arm, Ducay posted a come-from-behind win.

“Buti nakabawi ako sa cycling at running legs. Masaya ako at na improve ko time ko last year kahit kulang sa ensayo, “ said Ducay, also a long jumper and middle distance medalist in previous ParaGames.

The other Filipino winner, 38-year-old Andy Avellana, who lost his left leg due to a bus accident, had the easiest time as he had no opposition in the Tri 2 category, completing the distance in 1:44.12.

“Malalakas ang mga kalaban dito at kumpleto sa gamit, naibaba ko ang time ko ngayon compared last year kaya masaya ako,” said Avellana after the race that was also backed by Century Tuna, Standard Insurance, Gatorade, Phil. Sports Commission, Harbor Point Mall, SBMA, David’s Salon, Speedo and Asian Center for Insulation Philippines.

Toshio Furuhata, a 52-year-old visually impaired entry from Japan, exerted just enough effort after only a week’s rest from a longer triathlon race. He led Japan’s charge as he took line honors and ruled the Tri 5 category race, with the best time of 1:08.14, followed by compatriot Nobuyuki Domon in 1:12.04, and Korean Lee Jun Ha in 1 : 24. 10. (Lito Cinco, Manila Standard)

http://manilastandardtoday.com/2014/04/28/filipino-bets-strike-gold-in-subic/

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Hi Fi, Ragamuffin 90 take top honors in Rolex China Sea Race

For the second time in four years, Neil Pryde’s Welbourne 52 Hi Fi from Hong Kong has won the Rolex China Sea Race, Asia’s principal offshore event.

On Saturday morning, Hi Fi became the third boat to complete the 565-nm course from Hong Kong to Subic Bay, The Philippines following a dramatic tussle with a group of yachts, most notably Bryon Ehrhart’s TP52 Lucky from the United States. Pryde’s crew finished the race in 2 days, 21 hours, 47 minutes, enough on corrected time, with the chasing fleet becalmed, to seal overall victory.

“It was incredibly close racing,” enthused Pryde. “To be this close after so many miles is amazing. It was the same all the way down. We were never out of sight of the other boats so you could not relax one moment.”

During the final miles set against the mountainous, scenic and sunbaked approach to Subic Bay, little could separate the boats. “There were three 52-footers, ourselves, Lucky and Freefire (HKG) all neck and neck,” explained Pryde. “We were surging down the coast in good wind with an A3 spinnaker up reaching at 12 to 13 knots. It was incredibly exciting, boats kept changing positions because we had all been reading the same weather.”

With the finishing line in sight, the three crews were all seeking to make the winning tactical decision. “Lucky went around the rocks while we took the inside track. The trade off was whether there was more wind on the inside or outside,” admitted Pryde. While Lucky stole the advantage and beat Hi Fi on the water, the two minute margin was insufficient to defeat Pryde’s crew on handicap.

Pryde, a Hong Kong resident, first competed in the race in 1968 and this victory represents one of the most significant accomplishments of his illustrious sailing career. “It ranks as one of the more memorable victories we’ve had and we’ve won a lot of races,” said Pryde. “It means a lot to me, over the past few years I’ve not done a lot of sailing because I’ve had some health issues so to go out and still prove we can do it is a big thing for me personally. Yacht racing has been part of my life for sixty odd years. I’ve never cruised, I’ve always raced. It’s what I do.”

Australian Syd Fischer had taken line honours with his Maxi Ragamuffin 90 on Friday evening, finishing in a time of 57 hours, 31 minutes and 18 seconds.

By 18:00 local time on Sunday evening, 26 of the 34 competing yachts had completed the race and there had been only one retirement. (Scuttlebutt Sailing News)

http://www.sailingscuttlebutt.com/2014/04/20/hi-fi-ragamuffin-90-take-top-honors-rolex-china-sea-race/#prettyPhoto

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Elite triathletes join Subic international tilt

THE stage is set for a battle royale among elite triathletes from several countries seeking ITU and ASTC Asian Cup qualification points as the second day of action of the K-Swiss ITU Subic Bay International Triathlon commences at 5:45 a.m. This Sunday at the Subic Bay Freeport Zone.

Expected to strive hard for the Elite Male title are Japan’s Kohei Shimomura (ITU rank no. 142), Jordan’s Fanous Lawrence (ranked 156th) Hong Kong’s Perry Wong (ranked 180th), Korea’s 2012 Olympian Min Ho Heo and Azerbaijan’s Alexander Iatcenko.

Jonard Saim, who recently won the AboitizTRI2014 event a few weeks back, is the Philippines’ only bet among the elites.

In the distaff side of the event sponsored by K-Swiss, Century Tuna, Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority Tourism Department, Philippine Sports Commission and supported by Harbor Point, Ayala Malls, Canon, Traveler’s Hotel, Blackbeard’s Seafood Island, Asian Center for Insulation Philippines, Gatorade, SPEEDO, Standard Insurance, and Green Triathlon, Japan’s Hideko Kikuchi (ranked 97th) will be facing off with Macau’s Hoi Long (2010 Asian Games triathlon 4th placer) and her fellow compatriot Chika Sato (ranked121st).

All Standard Distance (1.5kilometer swim – 40 Km bike – 10 Km run) competitions, including the Under-23,age-groups and triathlon club will take place on Sunday.

The 1.5 Km swim is set off the NCT Junction with the first transition area located nearby. From there, the 40-Km bike will stretch out along Argonaut Highway and conclude at the second transition area located at Harbor Point Ayala Mall.

The redesigned 10-Km run this year will course through the central business district, with the finish line set at the grounds of Harbor Point Ayala Mall.

The K-Swiss ITU SUBIT is a five-in-one event, where elite triathletes can compete for ITU and Asian Cup points, while local triathletes can qualify for consideration in the National Pool as well as opportunities to represent the Philippines in future competitions overseas. (MST Sports)

http://manilastandardtoday.com/2014/04/24/elite-triathletes-join-subic-international-tilt/

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Visually impaired bets join Subic tilt

A TRIO of visually impaired paratriathletes will be leading a crack team from Japan to engage challengers from Korea, Malaysia, Hong Kong, Singapore and the Philippines in the Paratriathlon Asian Championships event of the long-running K-Swiss ITU Subic Bay International Triathlon, which will kick off at 7:20 a.m. on April 26 at the Subic Bay Freeport.

Japan is fielding visually impaired Ryu Nakazawa, Toshihiro Shirae and Atsuko Yamadain the sprint distance paratriathlon competition (750 meter swimming, 20kilometer biking and 5 kilometer running), together with teammates ShingoKuboyama, Noboyulki Domon, Toshio Furuhata and Miho Hamada.

Others competing for the paratriathlon titles, include Jun Ha Lee (Korea); 2013 SUBIT paratriathlon gold medallist Andy Avellana (Philippines); Godfrey Taberna (Philippines) and 2013 SUBIT paratriathlon silver medallist Sixto Ducay (Philippines).

Adding importance to the longest-running Olympic distance international triathlon in Asia, sponsored by K-Swiss, Century Tuna, Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority Tourism Department, Philippine Sports Commission and supported Harbor Point, Ayala Malls, Canon, Traveler’s Hotel, Blackbeard’s Seafood Island, Asian Center for Insulation Philippines, Gatorade, SPEEDO, Standard Insurance, and Green Triathlon is the presence of ITU (International Triathlon Union) classifiers Marguerite Christophers and Peter Steggall, who will determine the paratriathletes’ categories on April 24 and 25.

The 2014 Asian Paratriathlon Championships is part of the Asian Triathlon Confederation and Triathlon ssociation of the Philippines’ efforts to promote paratriathlon, with participation in the 2016 Paralympics in mind.

As of April 19, close to 1,000 participants have signed up for the K-Swiss ITU SUBIT.

Among them are 20 clubs vying for the Inter-Club Competition title, and over 600 age-group triathletes in the Olympic distance aiming for the National Age-Group championship titles and the right to represent the country in the 2014 World Age-Group Championships to be hosted in Canada. (MST Sports)

http://manilastandardtoday.com/mobile/2014/04/21/visually-impaired-bets-join-subic-tilt/

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TATAP hosts GAC Tour

THE Table Tennis Association of the Philippines will host the GAC Group World Tour 2014 Philippine Open on May 15­18 at  the Subic Bay Exhibition and Convention Center.

Table tennis chief Ting Ledesma said the international tournament has attracted more than 180 players from 40 countries  all over the world.

"It is really a great pleasure to host an international competition like the World Tour," said Ledesma, a former national player. "We are expecting the world's toughest table tennis players to compete in the four-day competition."

National players Richard Gonzales, Nash Jacolo, Jamaica Sy, Rodel Valle, Ian Lariba, Sendrina Balatbat, Walden Ledesma,  Annabelle Commendador, Rommelia Princess Tambo and Stephen Andrew Timson will be up against the foreign entries.

"I would like to thank Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority, particularly chairman Roberto Garcia, for letting us
use the  venue and facility for free," said Ledesma. "They really wanted to help us developing table tennis."

Interested parties have until April 15 to register. (Manila Times)

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2014 Commodore's Cup Regatta set on April 22 to 26

Big boats and ocean multihulls will set sail on April 22 to 26 to compete in this year's Commodore's Cup Regatta in Subic Bay.

The race is organised by the Saturday Afternoon Gentlemen Sailing (SAGS) Club, in conjunction with the Lighthouse Marina Resort, Watercraft Ventures, Inc. and the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) under the auspices of the Philippine Sailing Association.

This year the Subic Commodore's Cup will include four days of racing for Flying Fifteens, dinghies, Hobie 16s and windsurfers simultanous with the Rolex China Sea Race fleet is en route Hong Kong-Philippines. Big Boats will take over for a further four days of racing in the sparkling environs of Subic Bay.

Organizers consider Subic Bay truly a first class spot for regatta, with its deep waters, airport, dockyards, and the presence of Subic Bay Yacht Club. Organisers hope that boats sailing in the Hong Kong to Subic Rolex China Sea Race will 'stay an extra day' and participate in the Commodore's Cup.

For more of this story: http://www.sail-world.com/Asia/Subic-Commodores-Cup-expands/120541

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