Hugo boss at Xterra; Bucher triumphs

South Africa’s Daniel Hugo came from behind to dethrone a hard-luck Ben Allen in the men’s pro race even  as Renata Bucher returned to the top in the women’s race of the Vaseline Men Xterra Philippines off-road triathlon in Liloan, Cebu, Saturday.

Amid sweltering conditions, Hugo zoomed ahead in the 36-kilometer bike stage after Allen took a spill and was unchallenged from there to cap the stunning victory in two hours, 48 minutes and 48 seconds.

Bradley Weiss made it a 1-2 finish for South Africa after clocking 2:56:39, while Filipino elite back-to-back winner Cebu-based Joseph Miller, relying on a strong bike leg, finished third overall in 3:11:58.

Allen, who took the lead after the 1.5 km open water swim leg, struggled to finish in 3:21:52.

“It would have been more challenging if Ben (Allen) and I raced head-to-head,” said Hugo. “I saw him crash and I got worried of him. I hope he’s okay, but I also have to keep on going and win this race.”

Bucher crossed the finish line in 3:24:59, nipping Carina Wasle, who clocked 3:25:18, to rule the event she last won in 2012. Mieko Carey checked in third with 3:27:34.

Franklin Peñalosa emerged as the second best Filipino elite finisher with 3:30:37 while Jefferson Tabacon ended up third in 3:39:45.

Joyette Jopson topped the Filipina elite class in 5:25. Cedelf P. Tupas