PH to host Challenge triathlon 2014

CHALLENGE Family, the global series of long distance triathlons that is changing the face of ultra-distance racing around the world, is all set for its Philippine debut in February, featuring a spectacular and iconic tri-course that runs through Subic and Bataan.

Set on Feb. 22, the half distance Challenge PHL triathlon caps off a weeklong celebration of the Pinoy spirit and the beautiful traditions of the Philippines, in lifestyle, cultural and community engagements, as well as sporting events for the entire family

The Philippines is Challenge’s 14th destination country, after races in North America, UK, Europe, Asia, and New Zealand. The Challenge Family has mounted over 20 races around the world, participated in by 34,000 athletes – including multi-triathlon world champion Chris “Macca” McCormack – with over 915,000 spectators.

“The Challenge Family selects race courses that provide athletes with the best race experience connected to a community that embraces its vision,” said Dave Voth, Challenge Philippines race chairman, and president of Endurance Entertainment Asia, Inc.

“Challenge Philippines is shaping up to be the country’s most anticipated triathlon competition, offering finishers not only bragging rights for winning against the best in the world, but also cash prizes worth over P2 million,” Voth said. “Racing with the world’s best who are competing for one of the largest paydays in the sport will truly add to that once in a lifetime experience.”

Challenge Philippines offers Male Elite and Female Elite Top 10 finishers cash, trophies, and gift packs. Meanwhile, Philippine national team members, male and female; as well as, elite team members from countries in the SEA region are eligible to compete in the Southeast Asia (SEA) Elite Top 3. Special cash prizes will also be given to Fastest AG Split, male and female categories in Swim, Bike, and Run; as well as highest Team points for the top 3 teams. (Manila Standard Today)

http://manilastandardtoday.com/2013/11/01/ph-to-host-challenge-triathlon/

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Javier, Abad rule national duathlon

MANILA - Robeno Javier reclaimed his billing as the country’s top male duathlete while Mirasol Abad extended her reign to four years on the distaff side as they ruled the 2013 Philippine National Duathlon Championships at the Remy Field, Subic Bay Freeport.

Javier kept pace with national triathlete John Chicano in the 10K run and 40K bike before pushing himself hard in the 5K run to submit the fastest time of one hour, 54 minutes, 48 seconds.

The event, which drew over 200 duathletes, was sponsored by the Subic Bay Mertropolitan Authority (SBMA) Tourism Department, Standard Insurance, Asian Centre for Insulation Philippines, Inc, Gatorade, David’s Salon, Fitness First, Lifestyle Subic Bay and Green Triathlon.

Former Asian duathlon champion and last year’s top ADC Filipino finisher Ryan Mendoza rallied from third place after the first run to eventually finish second in 1:55:22 while a cramping Chicano settled for the bronze medal (1:55:57).

Abad was simply awesome in her field as she led by a mile after the 10K run to anchor her 2:21:49 time. The only problem she encountered was when she missed the turnaround point in the bike but that hardly made a dent on her performance as Mary Pauline Fornea was still more than three minutes off the winning time (2:23:56). Third place went to Rowena Valdez (2:36:51).

Jeric Buhain and Cebuanos Justin Chiongbian and Shaia Ruth Uy dominated the junior sprint and mini sprint categories in the race organized by the Triathlon Association of the Philippines in cooperation with the SBMA tourism department.
 
The 16-year old Buhain, meanwhile, erased bitter memories of last year’s ADC at the same venue as he clocked an impressive 1:02:26.08 in the 5K run, 20K bike and 2.5K distance.

“I was leading (last year) when I had an infraction with my helmet in the bike transition. So my goal really is to win here,” said Buhain, a developmental pool member, who defeated Edward Jared Macalalad (1:03:30) and Jarwyn Banatao (1:05:40).

Chiongbian retained his title in the boy’s mini sprint (40:16.06) while Uy, 14, won her first duathlon race in 46:13.83. The good performance of the young duathletes boosted TRAP’s plan to put more young athletes in the pool next year.

“We will review the performances of our national athletes because we plan to revamp the squad next year with emphasis on youth and discipline,” said TRAP head Tom Carrasco Jr.

Age group winners: Raven Archer (18-19), Carlo Maniebo (20-24), Christopher Iblan (25-29), Francis Carlo Serrano (30-34), Dejan Glavnik (35-39), Raul Gaerlan (40-44), Jamie Leather (45-49), Arsenio Malibiran (50-54), Josef Gueta (55-59) and Killy Kunimoto (60-over) in the male division and Humma Saeed (20-29), Josette Tanghal (30-39) and Lyka Leather (40-over), girls. (Philippine Star)

http://www.philstar.com/sports/2013/12/02/1263250/javier-abad-rule-national-duathlon

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De Leon, Rana rule Tri United

UNILAB Active Health’s triathletes Benjamin Rana Jr. and Ani Karina de Leon-Brown ruled their respective events the Elite division even as new faces Juan Carlos Abad and Christianne Nicolle de Vera shone the Teens division in yesterday’s l TRI United 3 held at the Dungraree Beach in Subic.

Rana won the 1.5-km swim, 40-km bike and 10-km run pulling away as he timed two hours, five minutes and 37 seconds to beat out UAH teammates Mark Anthony Husana (2:11:00) and Philip Atento (2:13:58).

The win was Rana’s first victory since 2011 in triathlon races held in Subic.

De Leon- Brown, however, needed to sweat in out in the run leg to ward off the challenge of Kristina Beckendorf the title.

“I really thought it was going to be more of a relaxing race for me until I noticed that Kristina was slowly gaining on me in the run, so in the end, I really needed to work hard for it,” said De Leon-Brown, who clocked in at 2:33:05.

Beckendorf had the second best time at 2:34:33 but she competed in the 35-39 age group to claim the gold medal.

Joining the four individual winners was Team Santy Barley which dominated the Team competition with accumulated time of 27 hours and 15 minutes.

Billed as the Elite and Age Group Championships, the race organized by BIKEKING which is headed by Raul Cuevas, and supported by Unilab Active Health, Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority Tourism Department (SBMA), Enervon Active, Enervon HP, I-ON Energy Drink, Hydrite, AboitizPower, Pocari Sweat, TIMEX, Crystal Clear Purified Water, Corima and Orbea, attracted 464 participants.

Meanwhile, Abad and De Vera banked on their impressive showings in the swim to anchor their victories in the Teens division which was held half the distance of the Elite. (Manila Bulletin)

http://www.mb.com.ph/de-leon-rana-rule-tri-united/

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Canine competition set in Subic Freeport

Dog lovers will have something to look forward to as the 1st Subic Bay Dog Agility Championship kicks off on October 26 at the Remy Field here in this free port.

The two-day event will feature the country’s top competitors in events such as the popular DiscDog, or Frisbee and Super Weave competitions.

The competition, organized by the Philippine Dog Athletics Association (PDAA), will be the first agility competition in the Philippines to be sponsored by the United States Dog Agility Association (USDAA).

On October 25, meanwhile, a dog show that featured tricks, training, and agility and obedience events held at the Harbor Point activity center here.

According to George Baker, one of the organizers of the agility championship, the event aims to provide novel, highly entertaining and enriching activities for all participating dogs and their owners, as well as spectators.

“Through this event we hope to build a regional community of dog owners and sports enthusiasts and forge lasting relationships among them,” said Baker, a long-time dog trainer.

Baker also said the event was organized so that the country will be able to compete for the World Dog Agility Championship.

“It’s now sponsored by the USDAA and it’s one of the last hurdles to enable the Philippines to compete,” he added.

Baker said that for the past seven years, PDAA members have been holding dog agility competitions across the country.

“Just last year, a PDAA competition was held in Cebu where an estimated 2,000 people were in attendance,” he said. (FMD/MPD-SBMA)

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PBA players set charity game for Olongapo leptospirosis victims

SUBIC BAY FREEPORT – Basketball fans will get the chance to watch their favorite players in action during a charity game to be played here on October 25 for the benefit of leptospirosis victims in Olongapo City.

The event, dubbed as “Thriller Time”, will feature several active players from the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) and will be held at the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Gym in this free port.

The SBMA, which is supporting the charity project, will provide free use of the sporting venue.

Apart from the PBA players, the event will also feature players from the SBMA and Lyceum of Subic Bay, who will clash in an exhibition game.

According Willie Miller, the event organizer, “Thriller Time” aims to raise funds for the benefit of leptospirosis victims in Olongapo City, as well as to raise public awareness on disease prevention.

He added that they are also hoping to donate enough medicines to the local government to prevent another outbreak of the flood-borne disease.

Miller, who is currently playing for the Global Port Batang Pier, hails from Olongapo City.

The city recently suffered a leptospirosis outbreak after heavy monsoon rains resulted in severe flooding in all but one of the 17 barangays in the city.

Eleven victims died in the aftermath, while close to 500 people were hospitalized due to the outbreak of bacterial infection. (FMD/MPD-SBMA)

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Philippine Tamaraws face Thailand in Rugby League Asian Cup

SUBIC BAY FREEPORT – The Philippine Tamaraws are set to defend their title as Asian rugby league football champions as they face Thailand in the first match of the 2nd Asian Cup at the Philippine Marine Merchant Academy (PMMA) in San Narciso, Zambales on Monday, October 21.

The Tamaraws, the country’s national rugby league football team, are conducting training camps in this Freeport in preparation for their upcoming match.

Apart from the Asian Cup, PMMA will also stage the Zambales 9’s rugby tournament featuring local rugby football teams on October 19.

According Tamaraws head coach Clayton Watene, the team is aiming to qualify for the 2017 Rugby League World Cup in Australia.

“The Asian Cup is being started so we can have teams in Asia that will eventually be qualified for the World Cup, and we wantto be the first team from Asia to compete,” Watene said.

He added that last year, the Tamaraws won the 1st Asian Cup title against Thailand.

Watene said that the team was formed a few years ago after they scouted players with Filipino heritage in Australia and began training them for international competitions.

Watene also explained that the Tamaraws, a rugby league team, should not be confused with the Philippine Volcanoes, which play rugby union football. Rugby league football is played with 13 players, while rugby union is played with 15 players.

Watene said that the team is looking forward to visiting their relatives and touring the rest of the country. (FMD/MPD-SBMA)

PHOTO:
The Philippine Tamaraws train at the Remy Field in the Subic Bay Freeport.

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Subic Bay hosts PH duathlon on Dec. 1

PHILIPPINE Team berths are at stake in the Philippine National Duathlon Championships 2013, firing off at 6 a.m. on Dec. 1 at the Subic Bay Freeport.

Philippine Olympic Committee chair Tom Carrasco, the president of the organizing Triathlon Association of the Philippines said, “We will send a strong team to 2014 Asian Duathlon Championship in Sri Lanka that is capable of bringing back the crown to the country after 10 years.”

Ryan Mendoza of the Philippine Air Force clinched the men’s title when the country hosted the continental championship at the Clark Special Economic Zone in 2004. Mendoza followed up his feat with another gold-medal showing at the duathlon’s debut in the 2007 Southeast Asian Games in Pattaya, Thailand.

World Duathlon Championship 2013 veteran Mirasol Abad and the Philippines’ top duathlete Robeno Javier banner the tough field of the race sponsored by the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority Tourism Department, Standard Insurance, Asian Centre for Insulation Philippines, Inc., Gatorade, David’s Salon, Fitness First, Lifestyle Subic Bay and Green Triathlon.

Expected to crowd out Javier are the other PH team members who are also seasoned internationalists, namely Carlo Pedregosa, Jimmuel Patilan and Bigboy Robinson Javier.

In the distaff side, Mary Pauline Fornea is expected to hound Abad throughout the standard 10-kilometer run/40-km bike/5-km run grind.

Also expected to dish out fine performances are triathletes John Chicano, Nikko Huelgas and Justine Chiongbian so with budding duathletes Joey Delos Reyes, Jeric Buhian and Baltazar Valencia.

Last year’s Asian Duathlon Championship’s challenging technical course with Remy Field as the transition area will test the mettle of the elite competitors and age-groupers. Post-race activities will be held at the nearby Subic gymnasium.

The Junior participants (16-19 years-old) and age-groupers aged 16 and above will take a stab at the sprint distance course of 5-km run/20-km bike/2.5-km run.

A 2.5-km run/12-km bike/2.5-km run course for the Youth Mini-Sprint category is also on tap.

Currently, entry fees for standard distance is P2,000 and for Sprint and Mini-Sprint P1,500. Effective November 1, rates will appreciate to P2,500 (Standard) and P2,000 (Sprint/Mini).

TRAP-registered athletes can avail themselves of 10% discount while students and senior citizens are entitled to 20% discount.

Entry forms may be downloaded at www.triathlon.org.ph. The TRAP office at the Philsports Complex, Pasig City, at BIKE KING store c/o Raul Cuevas at Bonifacio High Street and SPEEDO Concept Stores (Alabang Town Center, SM Megamall, The Podium, Glorietta 4 and Bonifacio High Street) are the registration centers. (MST Sports, Manila Standard Today)

http://manilastandardtoday.com/2013/10/14/subic-bay-hosts-ph-duathlon-on-dec-1/

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Safeguard 5i50 Triathlon in Subic a success

Subic again asserted its place as a sporting capital in Luzon after successfully hosting the Safeguard 5i50 Active Triathlon last Sunday, attracting triathletes from around the world.

The race was the second 5i50 triathlon event that was held in this free port this year after its being the venue once again of the Century Tuna 5i50 triathlon last June with over 900 participants.

The Subic Freeport has lately been the preferred venue for international races due to its challenging course set against a natural scenic background.

In the October 6 event, Australian Mitchell Robins topped the men’s pro division after completing the course in two
hours, five minutes and 22 seconds.

Robins was closely followed by Csaba Kuttor from Hungary who clocked in at 02:06:17 while third placer Peter Bajai, also from Hungary, finished with 02:08:18.

Another Hungarian, Ezter Dudas topped the women’s pro division after finishing the race in 02:21:32.

Filipino triathlon champion John Leerams Chicano proved once more his dominance in the local triathlon scene after topping the men’s Filipino elite division with 02:14:35. Chicano also finished sixth overall.

Employees from the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) tourism department also did well in the men’s relay after the SBMA Team placed 11th with 03:12:29. (FMD/MPD-SBMA)

PHOTO:
Local bet John Leerams Chicano emerged as the top Filipino finisher in the inaugural Safeguard Active 5150 Triathlon held in the Subic Bay Freeport last Sunday. Chicano, a precious Zambales find in triathlon, finished sixth overall with a time of 2:14:35.

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Asian Challenge triathlon set

The Philippines will host the third Asian Challenge Triathlon on Feb. 22 next year in Subic Bay and Bataan featuring crack triathletes from 20 countries.

Taking place in the pristine protected waters of Subic Bay’s IIanin Bay and its rolling hills and costal jungle forests of Subic Bay and Bataan, the half distance has become a must-do for triathletes who want to experience one of the most beautiful and iconic tri courses in Asia with the theme: “Challenge Yourself, Race for a Cause”.

The competition will be the climax of a week-long celebration of lifestyle, cultural and community engagements and sports for the entire family celebrating the Pinoy Spirit and the beautiful traditions of the Philippines.

Subic Bay and Bataan are recognized throughout the country as the active lifestyle destination of Philippines known for enchanting and challenging terrain and magnificence costal vistas and low laying deep terrocarp triple canopy rainforest has long been a place where the country’s best athletes come to train, race and relax.

The event reflects the efforts by Challenge Philippines Endurance Entertainment Asia (EEA) to deliver the best all around event experiences to the athletes and the Subic Bay, and Bataan and Zambales stakeholders.

“We deliberately looked on how to bring an iconic Challenge Philippines event to the area with the best economic impacts, but without the negative effects of closed city central roads or extra traffic,” said organizer Dave Voth.

“We are very pleased to have the very distinguished global event Challenge Philippines come to Subic Bayand feature our Freeport and former historic Naval Magazine area,” said Voth an American living in Angeles City with Filipina wife and two sons.

The event is in partnership with Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority, Subic Bay Freeport Zone and sanctioned by Triathlon Association of the Philippines. (Clyde Mariano, Tempo)

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Ang, Torres grab limelight in jet ski race

Two Filipino ace riders – veteran internationalist BJ Ang and Excel Torres of Iloilo Watercraft Association (IWA) – grabbed the spotlight following their dominating feats recently in the SBMA Jet Ski Invitational Race at the Subic Bay Freeport.

Ang, the lone Filipino jet ski rider in the 2013 Asian Motorboat Liuzhou Open in China this Sunday, displayed superb skills in his fast all-stock 2011 Sea Doo to open a wide lead and capture the Expert Runabout Open crown.

The event is organized by the Jet Sports Association of the Philippines (JSAP) under its new president Harley David and race director Joey Millionado with the support of the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA).

Torres overcame a talented field of champion riders as he gained the Expert Runabout 4-Strokes championship in the race supported by Networx Jetsports, Irma Fishing, R33 Car Exchange and the Philippine National Red Cross.

The country’s No.1 rider Paul del Rosario showed the crowd the top form and experience that made him the 2010 World Jet Ski Expert Runabout Open champion as he unveiled remarkable endurance and unparalleled speed throughout the four-lap race to dominate the Open Ski class over top female riders Jam Mangio and Abby Reyes.

The event drew the participation of the Iloilo Watercraft Association headed by Vincent Tajanlangit. Australian Jet Ski Association vice-president Dan Fox regaled the crowd with his equally impressive skills that earned him the Novice 4-Strokes title over Iloilo bet Noy Mercado and third placer Raymond Ronquillo.

A decorated rider with several international stints including the prestigious competitions in Dubai and Malaysia, Ang proved why he’s one of the country’s best when he controlled the tempo from start to finish in the eight-lap first Moto of the Expert Runabout Open. (The Philippine Star)

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Subic packs in 900 athletes for 5i50 triathlon

Close to a thousand triathletes, including elite contenders from other countries, conquered on Sunday the 2013 Century Tuna 5i50 Triathlon, acknowledged as the biggest Olympic-distance race in the country today.

Organizers said that local and international triathletes faced the daunting challenge of completing a difficult long-distance course with the Subic Bay providing a picturesque backdrop for the event.

The elite field was represented by participants from 23 countries, including top contenders from the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, the United States, Singapore, France, Germany, Taiwan, Japan and the Philippines.

Former Ironman champion Luke McKenzie topped the men’s pro elite division after completing the course that involved three legs: a 1.5-kilometer swim leg, followed by a 40-kilometer bike leg, and then a 10-kilometer run course.

The Australian champion finished the race in 1 hour 59 minutes and 25 seconds.

McKenzie was followed by Xterra Off Road Triathlon champion Ben Allen who clocked in at 2:02:40 and by Australian triathlete Michael Murphy who finished with 2:05:46.

Meanwhile, Belinda Granger finished first for the women’s pro elite with 2:17:33, followed by Michelle Gailey with 2:24:09 and Jaqui Slack with 2:26:05.

John Leerams Chicano led the local bets in the Filipino men’s elite with 2:09:45 and finished fifth overall.

Chicano was followed by Jonard Saim with 2:10:29 and Olympic hopeful Nikko Huelgas with 2:11:00. Another local bet, Monica Torres, finished fourth in the women’s pro elite with 2:26:19.

This is the second year that Subic has hosted the 5i50 triathlon. Last year’s race was voted by triathletes as the second best triathlon event in the Philippines for 2012.

The Century Tuna 5i50 triathlon has become one of the major sports events held in the Subic Bay Freeport, as Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority chairman Roberto Garcia has put his focus on developing Subic as a premier sporting destination in the country.

"The 2013 edition of the Century Tuna 5i50 Triathlon not only featured a scenic and challenging route but also enjoyed a substantial increase of 52 percent in terms of participants, compared to last year'," SBMA deputy administrator for tourism Raul Marcelo said.

According to Marcelo, with SBMA chairman Garcia's focus on sports tourism and environmental protection, Subic Bay has become an environment- and sports-friendly destination. (FMD/MPD-SBMA)

PHOTO:
Participants in the 2013 Century Tuna 5i50 Triathlon brave the waters of Subic Bay during the 1.5-kilometer swim leg on Sunday.

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McKenzie, Granger top Subic 5150

Australian triathlete Luke McKenzie and Belinda Granger humbled their respective rivals to share the limelight in the Century Tuna 5150 Triathlon yesterday in Subic.

McKenzie crossed the finish line in one hour, 59 minutes and 25 seconds to beat closest pursuer Ben Allen by three minutes in the men’s division while Granger ruled the distaff side in 2:17:33, seven minutes off runner-up Michelle Gailey.

John Leerams Chicano, meanwhile, won the Filipino Elite Group in 2:09:45. Jonard Saim placed second at 2:10:29 while Nikko Huelgas took third at 2:11:00.

Jenny Rose Guerrero captured the Filipina Elite category at 2:41:48, defeating Rochelle Tan (2:52:56) and Marion Kim Mangrobang (3:03:20).

Wetshop Para Tri A team bagged the male relay event at 2:23:47 while David Salon B team secured the female team relay title in 2:47:36. The mixed relay division was dominated by the LM10 team composed of celebrity Solenn Heusaff, Rayzon Galdonez and Nicolas Bolzico at 2:25:25.

Nine hundred forty triathletes swam for 1.5 kilometers, rode the bike for 40 kilometers and ran 10 km in what is dubbed as the country’s largest Olympic distance triathlon series. (Manila Bulletin)

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World-class triathletes gear up for Century Tuna 5150

Some of the world’s most respected triathletes are all set to take on the largest global Olympic distance triathlon series, Century Tuna 5150 Triathlon happening on June 23 in Subic Bay.

Headlining the list of high-profile triathletes who will join the 5150 Triathlon is two-time Ironman World Champion (2010 and 2007) and triathlon legend Chris “Macca” McCormack. The five-time International Triathlete of the Year, McCormack has won over 200 races around the world since 1993. His long list of accomplishments includes 2012 Long Distance Triathlon World Champion (Vitoria-Gasteiz), Ironman Australia Champion (2002-2006), and both ITU Triathlon World and ITU Triathlon World Cup Champion in 1997.

Top professional triathletes from Australia are also set to fight for podium finishes. The elite group includes 2013 & 2012 Vaseline Men XTERRA Philippines Champion and 2012 XTERRA Pacific Triple Crown Champion Ben Allen, 2011 Rowing World Champion, and 2012 Dextro Energy (Sydney) Triathlon Champion and 2012 Northeim (Germany) Triathlon Champion Michael Murphy.

The female triathletes joining the 5150 Triathlon should not be taken lightly as well. Last year’s Century Tuna 5150 Triathlon Champion Belinda Granger is set to defend her title. Having competed in numerous triathlons for 18 years, Granger takes pride of her career record including 2011 Ironman 70.3 Japan Champion and 2011 Cobra Energy Drink Ironman 70.3 Philippines Champion.

Another lady to look out for during the 5150 race is 2012 XTERRA World Tour Italy Champion and 2013 Vaseline Men XTERRA Philippines 4th Placer Jacqui Slack.

Also participating in the second run of the race in the country are global pro triathletes Luke McKenzie, Justin Granger, Fredrik Croneborg, Luke Gillmer and Matt O’Halloran.

International triathlon pros gear up…

Overall, the Century Tuna 5150 Triathlon brings together triathletes from 23 countries including United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, United States of America, Singapore, France, Germany, Taiwan, Japan, and Philippines.

Century Tuna 5150 Triathlon Philippines is organized by Sunrise Events Inc., the same group producing the Cobra Energy Drink Ironman 70.3 Philippines. The event is also sponsored by Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority, 2XU, Air Asia, Alaska, Aqua Sphere, Cupcakes by Sonja, David’s Salon, Department of Tourism Region 3, Devant, Finisher Pix, Gatorade, Globe, Intercare, LBC Solutions, Manila Beer, Mastercard, Multisport, Oakley, Prudential Guarantee, Philippines Star, Planet Sports, Regent, Safeguard, Samsung, Shotz and Timex. (Manila Standard Today)

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New faces reign in Subic Tour

New faces took the spotlight in the AboitizPower Tour of Subic Stage 3 road race with Globalport’s Jester Mendoza ruling the 90km race at the close of the event at the Subic Bay Freeport last Sunday.

Mendoza, 15, dominated the field in the lung-busting race in the premier Category 3 Class, finishing in two hours, 27 minutes and 37 seconds to frustrate Von Dutch rider Ricky Calla again.

It was Calla’s third straight runner-up finish after the 20km individual time trial and the 40km Criterium race of the two-day event organized by Bike King Philippines and co-sponsored by AboitizPower and its subsidiary, SN-AboitizPower Group.

Aldrian Adlawan of Admor Team topped the Category 4 in the event backed by Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority Tourism Department, Unilab Active Health, Orbea, Corima, Crystal Clear, Garmin, Pocari Sweat and Mini Phlippines.

Adlawan, who settled for a pair of fourth place finishes in the ITT and criterium, turned in a 2:52:45 clocking to beat Rodel Ramirez of Franzia Wine and Nicasio Onan.

Former national cyclist Marita Lucas of David’s Salon, meanwhile, stamped his class in the shorter 85-km event with a 2:53.39 clocking.

Lucas defeated triathlete Keshia Fule and Marella Vanie Salamat in a fitting follow-up to her victory in the criterium event.

Salamat bucked a spill and took the bronze after ruling the ITT race and settling for second in the criterium.

A total of 273 cyclists, including 34 female cyclists, representing different clubs, saw action in the annual event which also drew entries from the Weather Philippines Foundation (WPF).

An advocacy of the Aboitiz Group in partnership with Swiss firm Meteomedia, WPF provided the participants with accurate, localized weather information and digital race course.

All winners received specially designed trophies and gift items from the organizers and sponsors led by Bike King executive Raul Cuevas.

For the complete results and list of winners, visit the organizer’s official website at www.bikekingphilippines.com and their Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/BikeKingPhil. (Philippine Star)

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Tour of Subic draws huge field

MANILA - Close to 300 cyclists representing the country’s varied sports clubs slug it out for top honors in the Aboitiz Power Tour of Subic firing off at 7 a.m. tomorrow at the Subic Bay Freeport in Subic.

Organized by Bike King, headed by Raul Cuevas, the first day of action will have the 20km individual time trial which will start along Argonaut Highway. A total of 135 participants have listed for the 20km ITT. In the afternoon, the 40km criterium will be held utilizing the NCT road.

Race criterium for female have been set for 2 p.m. followed by Category 4 participants (3 p.m.) and Category 3 participants (4 p.m.).

On the final day (May 19) of the event sponsored by SN Aboitiz Power, Unilab Active Health, ORBEA, Corima, Crystal Clear, GARMIN, Pocari Sweat, Mini Cooper and the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA), the 90km RR will commence at 6 a.m.

Participants will start from the Travelers Hotel.

The awards rites will be held at the Rialto Ballroom of Travelers Hotel. At stake are specially designed trophies and gift items four units of Garmin Edge 500 to be raffled off.

The event is backed by Aboitiz Power for the 3rd year in a row and it continues to attract the participation of top executive teams such as Aboitiz Power Cycling Team, Von Dutch, PLDT Bike King, Fitness First, Franzia Wine and David Salon’s Cycling Team. A total of 273 participants have listed, including 34 females. For the complete list of Participants, Race Schedule, Race map and weather information, please visit the event website at www.bikekingphilippines.com. (The Philippine Star)

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Young guns carry fight in Subic meet

Rising stars led by gold medalist Yuan Chiongbian bagged six medals and carried the day for the Philippines in the recent K-Swiss ASTC Subic Bay Asian Triathlon Championships at the Subic Bay Freeport.

Chiongbian, of Cebu City, towed Brent Valelo of Clark and Lance Vincent Plaza of Laguna to an all-Filipino podium finish in the 13-14 years category.

Chiongbian covered the 350M swim, 10K bike and 2.5K run event in 35 minutes and 36 seconds. Lavelo finished second, seven seconds behind, with Plaza checking in third in 36:15.

Chiongbian’s female teammates in the same age-group of the championship sponsored by K-Swiss, Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority, Tourism Department, Standard Insurance, Century Tuna, Speedo, David’s Salon, Asian Centre for Insulation Philippines, Gatorade, Fitness First, Garmin, Canon, PLDT, Harbor Point Ayala Mall, SM Olongapo, Lighthouse Marina Resort and Philippine Sports Commission also won medals.

Shaia Ruth Uy, who also hails from Cebu City, clocked 40:04 to bag the silver medal. Margarita de los Reyes of Quezon City finished 16 seconds behind, good for the bronze.

Completing the cast of Filipino teenaged medalists was Magali Echauz, daughter of Ernesto Echauz, the Philippine Sailing Association president.

Campaigning in the 15-16 age category (Youth Olympic Games aspirants), Echauz settled for the silver in the 500M swim, 18K bike and 3.3K run event in 1:01:57. Thai Nichapat Kaewma won the gold medal.

With her feat, Echauz installed herself as a top contender, along with Louie Lalanto of Cagayan de Oro, for a slot in the Asian Youth Olympic Games qualifier next month in Kazakhstan.

“We are happy over the success achieved by our youth triathletes. We are monitoring the improvements of young triathletes from around Asia and we have decided to invest more on the youth triathlon development program headed by coach Melvin Fausto,” said Triathlon Association of the Philippines president Tom Carrasco. (Malaya)

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China triathletes win mixed relay

China emerged victorious in the first-ever Asian mixed relay, even as the Philippines, Malaysia and Korea bagged the three gold medals disputed in the Para-triathlon at the close of the 2013 K-Swiss Subic Bay ASTC Asian Triathlon Championships yesterday at the Subic Bay Freeport.

The Dungaree Beach was the site of the action in the third and final day of the event organized by Triathlon Association of the Philippines, in cooperation with Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority and presented by K-Swiss with the mixed relay held at the 750-m swim, 18-k bike and 5-k run, while the Para triathlon was raced at the distance of 300-m swim, 6-k bike and 2-k run.

Fan Dan, Duan Zhengyu Huang Yuting and Bai Faquan displayed their mettle as they led from start to finish leading to the best time of one hour, 31 minutes and 22 seconds in the race also supported by Standard Insurance, Century Tuna, Speedo, David’s Salon, Asian Centre for Insulation Philippines, Gatorade, Fitness First, Garmin, Canon, PLDT, Harbor Point Ayala Mall, SM Cares Subic and Philippine Sports Commission.

Another Chinese team made up of Xin Lingxi, Xu Zheng, Wang Lianyuan and Zhang Yiming came in second at 1:31:58, but rules state that only one country can win a medal, thus the silver went to Japan made up of Ohara Sumire, Tanaguchi Shiruba, Matsumoto Fumika and Furuya Jumpei with a time of 1:32:41.

A full minute back at third (1:33:41) was the Hong Kong-China team represented by Joyce Cheng Ting Yan, Wright Andrew, Lee Yuk Ying Aggie and Tam Joe Dick Dickson.

“The team did an excellent job in today’s race. In general, I’m happy with our athletes’ performance. Japan remained the top team in triathlon this year, but all other countries, including China are trying to catch up with them,” said Chen Xiaoran, the secretary general of China Triathlon Sports Association thru an interpreter.

Meanwhile, five competitors saw action in the race for the differently abled, with Sabki Bin Arifin Mohd of Malaysia dominating the Tri-4 category. (Manila Standard Today)

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Ex-champs shine in Subic tilt

Former national champions showed they’re not over the hills yet by ruling their respective age-group divisions in Day 2 of the K-Swiss Subic Bay ASTC Asian Triathlon Championship yesterday at the Subic Bay Freeport.

Fifty-year-old Frank Lacson, acknowledged as the country’s first Filipino triathlete to compete abroad in 1992, joined George Vilog, Arthur Compra and Sandra Araullo-Gonzales at the podium after winning the 1.5-kilometer swim, 40km bike and 10km run contest in the 50-54 age category in two hours, 38 minutes and 27 seconds.

Vilog stamped his class in the 35-39 class by clocking 2:22:26 while Compra clocked 2:17:01 to reign supreme in the 45-49 category of the event organized by Triathlon Association of the Philippines (TRAP) in cooperation with Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SMBA) and presented by K-Swiss.

Not to be left out, Araullo-Gonzales, a many-time SEA Games campaigner, dominated the women’s 30-34 class in 2:36:18.

Among those who made the mark in the sprint distance were Rajiv Gurung of Nepal and Yaugood Ahmed of Maldives as they won the gold (1:09:57) and bronze medal (1:16:51) in the 20-29 category.

Sharing the limelight with the former national champions was Ma. Lourdes Casareo, better known in the celebrity circle as Angelika dela Cruz. The sexy star bagged the silver medal in the female 30-39 age group after posting a time of 1:45:42 in the event backed by Standard Insurance, Century Tuna, SPEEDO, David’s Salon, Asian Centre for Insulation Philippines (ACIP), Gatorade, Fitness First, Garmin, Canon, PLDT, Harbor Point Ayala Mall, SM Cares Subic and Philippine Sports Commission.

Other prominent names who won were former national duathlon champions August Benedicto (2:13:40) and Monica Torres (2:27:47), who topped the 25-29 age group. (Kristel Satumbaga, Manila Bulletin)

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Japanese bets rule Asian Triathlon tilt

Japanese triathletes Yuichi Hosoda and Mariko Adachi survived the tough challenge to retain their Elite Asian titles in yesterday’s K-Swiss Subic Bay ASTC Asian Triathlon Championships held at the Subic Bay Freeport.

Racing under searing heat, the 29-year-old Hosoda relied on his nerves of steel as he managed to keep up his pace leading to a convincing win against Chinese bet Jiang Zhihang.

A gold medalist in the 2010 Guangzhou Asian Games and a veteran of the 2012 London Olympics where he finished 43rd overall, Hosada negotiated the 1.5-k swim, 40-k bike and 10-k run in two hours, one minute and 32 seconds to keep the title he won in the 2012 Tateyama ASTC Triathlon Championships.

“The weather was hot and I was dehydrated going into the run. I had to slow down in the last lap and was lucky to survive and win the race,” said Hosoda who was six seconds ahead of Zhihang at 2:01.51.

Another Japanese bet Ryoshuke Yamamoto took the bronze medal at 2:01.52 while China’s Bai Faquan, who ruled last year’s race organized by Triathlon Association of the Philippines (TRAP) in partnership with Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA), this time, settled for fourth at 2:03 and compatriot Zhang Yiming claimed the fifth spot at 2:03:01.

Earlier Adachi, winner in the female Elite in Tateyama, overcame a slow start with a big windup in the second loop of the four-loop run leg to steal the victory from compatriot and 2012 Asian Youth Games gold medalist Yuka Sato.

POC President Jose Cojuangco Jr. joined SMBA Chairman and CEO Roberto Garcia, ASTC President Yu Kung Sun and TRAP President, POC Chairman and ASTC SVP Tom Carrasco Jr. in awarding medals to the winners.

The 29-year-old, Osaka native Adachi used her experienced to the hilt as she allowed 21-year-old Sato to take control in the swim and bike before pushing herself to her limit in the run. (Manila Bulletin)

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Olympians head elite field in Asian triathlon

MANILA, Philippines - All the three Asian men and two of the four women who saw action in the 2012 London Olympics banner the field in the 2013 K-Swiss Subic Bay Asian Triathlon Championships slated at the Subic Bay Freeport April 27.

Japanese Hirokatsu Tayama, ranked 27th in the world, looms as the top contender. Tayama finished 20th in the London Olympics and ninth in the April 14 Ishigaki ITU World Cup.

Out to crowd Tayama are his teammates. They are world’s No. 49 and 43rd in London Olympics Yuichi Hosoda, who beat Tayama by 26 seconds in the Ishigaki World Cup where he landed eighth; and Ryosuke Yamamoto (world’s No. 67th), Ishigaki ITU World Cup highest-placed Japanese at sixth.

London Olympian Chinese Faiquan Bai (world’s No.131) and his teammate Yiming Zhang may yet pose a challenge to the Japanese. Bai, the reigning Subic Bay International Triathlon champion, duplicated his bronze-medal showing in last Saturday’s Chengdu ITU Triathlon Premium with Zhang checking in sixth.

“It is our fondest hope the Olympic veterans will inspire the Youth Olympic Games (YOG) aspirants to see the YOG as a bridge to the summit of all triathlons – the competition in the Olympic Games,” said Tom Carrasco, Triathlon Association of the Philippines president and Asian Triathlon Confederation senior VP.

It’s a toss-up between the Japanese duo of London Olympics 14th placer Mariko Adachi and Yuka Sato in the distaff side of the premier continental triathlon sponsored by Standard Insurance, Century Tuna, Speedo, David’s Salon, Asian Centre for Insulation Philippines (ACIP), Gatorade, Fitness First, Garmin, Canon, PLDT and Philippine Sports Commission.

Adachi (world’s No. 29) is bent on exacting revenge on Sato (world’s No.33). Sato grabbed the silver medal in last Sunday’s Ishigaki World Cup as Adachi could only claim the seventh spot.

Also featured on the first of the three-day event is the penultimate leg of the country’s five-race qualifying series for the Asian Youth Games where the top finishers earn tickets to the Youth Olympic Games. Both games are slated in Nanjing, China, the former in July and the other next year.

Pacing the Filipino YOG hopefuls aged 18 and under by 2014 are Justin Chiongbian of Cebu City and Vicky Deldio of Zambales. Running second and third are Jimuel Patillan (Zambales) and Louie Lalanto (Cagayan de Oro) in the men’s division and Magali Echauz (Makati) and Kate Lagman (Cagayan de Oro) in the women’s. (Philippine Star)

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