BELGIAN pro Anthony Devos and Monica Torres dominated their respective events as expected in the inaugural Ilocos Heritage Tri 113 in Vigan City, Ilocos Sur.
Devos came out strong in the bike leg and won the men’s race by clocking four hours, 16 minutes and 31 seconds.
Canadian expat Mathieu O’Halloran clocked 4:21:52 for second place, while former No. 1 national duathlete August Benedicton settled for third in 4:25:13.
Far from her best, Torres, the country’s top female triathlete who topped the Narvacan Triathlon just a few days before the race, still proved too quick for the field.
Also banking on a strong performance in the bike stage, Torres checked in at 5:07:00, well ahead of second placer Joyette Jopson (5:24:18) and former national triathlon champion LC Langit (5:43:57).
For their feats, Devos and Torres received P50,000 each from Rep. Eric Singson and Gov. Ryan Singson.
The other winners: age group (men):18-24, Reggie Rubang (5:31:58); 25-29, Don Velasco (4:50:39); 30-34, Keith James Argonne (5:27:29); 35-39, Edison Morales (5:00:31), 40-44, Victor Martin Lorenzo (4:56:52); 45-49, JT Gonzales (5:27:16); 50-54, Romeo de Guzman (6:12:57); women: 35-44, Anna Liza Maraan (6:24:03); relay: Team Condon 1 (4:12:06), 1st; Lueco Tri Union 1 (4:12:52), 2nd; Team Narvacan 1 (4:13:01.