INQUIRER Sports

MANILA, Philippines?This Australian triathlete certainly lived up to his name.

Rohan Force surged to the front early on the way to victory in the second leg of the Speedo National Age Group Triathlon Championship Sunday at the Baywalk Park, Queensland Compound, in Davao City.

The 41-year-old Force, who also claimed top honors in the 40-44 age group, held the lead throughout the 1-kilometer swim, 30-kilometer bike and 7-kilometer run for a time of one hour 35 minutes and seven seconds.

Mary Pauline Fornea, a 16-year-old member of the national pool, captured the women?s title in two hours, nine minutes and 21 seconds.

After negotiating the swim leg in 13:30 minutes, Force powered ahead in the bike leg in 49:28 before completing the run in 32:09.

Force, a nutritional supplements businessman, also topped the 6th Mayor?s Cup Triathlon in Davao last November.

Fornea, one of the latest finds of the Triathlon Association of the Philippines, posted split times of 15:19, 1:07:22 and 46:40 (run) in the race organized by the Triathlon Association of Davao, led by Dr. Oscar Escudero, and backed by the Philippine Sports Commission.

Other winners?Men: John Maniyog (under-19), Jefferson Tabacon (20-24), Glenn Villocino (26 to 29), Jemarvin Cabilan (30-34), Christopher Eyao (35-39), Rolando Alisan (45-49), Juanito Dionio (50-54), Romeo Lactaoen (55-59) and Edgardo Villar (60-above).

Women: Fornea (under-19), Cherryl Araneta (20-24), Ivy Joy Herrero (30-34), Cossette Plaza (35-39). Jasmine W. Payo