Patilan losing streak ends in first leg of NGAT series
MANILA, Philippines—Snapping a string of runner-up finishes, Jimuel Patilan ruled the mini-sprint in the first leg of the 2012 Century Tuna National Age Group Triathlon Series Sunday on Dungaree Beach in Subic.
Patilan, a 14-year-old from Olongapo City, conquered the 350-meter swim-16K bike-2.5K run course in 42 minutes and six seconds to edge challengers Mark Pile and Jose Nobles.
“I’ve been a consistent second-place finisher,” said Patilan. “I’m glad to finally have won a race and this will keep my drive going to become a national team member.”
Patilan, who debuted in the grueling sport in May last year, recorded his first victory in five races since training with the Triathlon Association of the Philippines (Trap) youth development program under coach Melvin Fausto.
Allen Santiago, who used to rule the mini-sprint, competed in the sprint distance this time and emerged champion in the male 16-19 age group.
One of the latest recruits in the national pool, Santiago completed the 750m swim-20K bike-5K run with a time of 1:09.14 to outclass veteran racer Marc Alexander Altura.
Magali Bernasconi Echauz ruled the mini-sprint 13-15 age group with a 48:15 clocking.
“I’m happy that the NAGT is again off the ground since this is a key part of our year-long program,” said Trap head Tom Carrasco Jr.
Camarines Sur’s Franklin Penaloza topped the standard 1.5m swim-40K bike-10K run distance with a time of 2:19.17 in the male 35-39 division, while British expatriate Carly Relf timed 2:42.34 to rule the distaff side.
Two Singaporeans gearing up for the World University Triathlon Championships also triumphed with Lam Wai Kit copping the male 20-24 crown in 2:20:43 and Goh Yan Ling picking up the female 17-24 title in 2:48:23.
Other winners were John Paul Gaviola (17-19), Jeremiah Isip (25-29), Javy Olives (30-34), Levy Ang (40-44), Lorenzo Ocampo (45-49) and Eduardo Francisco (50-54) in the male division; Karen Kate Pascual (25-29) and Ivy Mendoza (40-over) in the women’s side; Clifton Esteban and Bea Hufana (male and female adult mini-sprint), Aina Farid (female 16-19) and Jenny Bautista (adult sprint).
Fernando Diaz and Samanta Diaz (9-10) and Nathan Nalo and Veronica Deldio (11-12) also topped the the SuperTriKids aquathlon.
Jasmine W. Payo
