SEA Games: PH’s Rombaon grabs bronze in cross country MTB race

LAUREL, Batangas – Philippines bet Avegail Rombaon bagged the bronze medal in the women’s cross country mountainbike event that kicked off the cycling competitions of the Southeast Asian Games in Barangay Niyugan here.

The Iriga-born Rombaon, who turns 24 on Wednesday, crossed the finish line in one hour, 48 minutes and 54 seconds, more than 12 minutes behind gold medalist Thi Nhu Quynh Dinh (1:36:43).

Thi Thom Ca made it a 1-2 finish for Vietnam after finishing the 21.75-km Tatlong Bungo trail in 1:44:19.

“I just kept pushing myself until I reached the finish line,” said Rombaon who played catchup for most of the race.

The Philippines’ top medal bet, Ariana Dormitorio, failed to finish the race, following crashing on a sharp turn just moments after she crossed the line for the fifth and final lap.

A teary-eyed Dormitorio apologized to the country for failing to deliver the gold medal despite riding on a course that she feels was best suited for her.

“There were a lot of climbs which I think really suits me,” said Dormitorio. “But I got dizzy after the crash and I wasn’t able to recover. I promise this won’t be my last SEA Games, I promise to do better.”