Torres set to take up foreign challenge

Monica Torres and Joey Delos Reyes are up to the task as they take on the world’s top and rising duathletes in the 2017 Powerman Philippines Asian Championship on Oct. 8 at Clark Freeport Zone in Pampanga.

Torres, a perennial top local finisher in the annual Ironman 70.3 Philippines, is coming off a successful campaign in the recent Powerman Asian Duathlon in Malaysia where she ruled the ITU Asian Middle Distance division—9.8-kilometer run (2 laps of 4.9K), 61.1K bike (2 laps of 30.55K) and another 9.8K run on full tarmac surface.

Torres prevailed in 3 hours, 4 minutes and 11 seconds and shared the podium with compatriot Emmanuel Commendador, who topped the men’s division in 2:48:36.

She also ruled the Trisports 51.5 and Musaman events this year and turned in a couple of top six finishes in Thailand.
Delos Reyes placed second behind Commendador with a time of 2:49:29. He also emerged the top Asian duathlete and finished fourth overall in Powerman Thailand

“The future of Philippine duathlon looks bright and very exciting,” said Torres. “With the local pros posting podium finishes in recent years, I believe we will be dominating the Powerman series very soon.”

Powerman Philippines general manager Kaye Lopez is also hopeful the Philippine representatives will rank among the best in the world.

“This event aims to provide local duathletes with the opportunity to compete against the best in the world,” said Lopez. —VANESSA B. HIDALGO