Sunday, February 10, 2008
Benedicto, Torres Win 1 st Leg of 2008 Clark Duathlon Series
SEA Games bronze medalist August Benedicto and up-and-coming Monica Torres displayed their top form to dominate the first leg of the 2008 Clark Duathlon Sprint Series yesterday at the Clark Special Economic Zone, Clarkfield, Pampanga. The race was the first qualifying event for 2008 Asian duathlon Championship in March.
The tournament jointly organized by Triathlon Association of the Philippines (TRAP) and Clark Multi Sports Group (CMSG) and supported by Clark Development Corporation Tourism headed by Noemi Garcia, Adidas and Mother Earth Foods, attracted 116 duathletes including 11 kids who joined the Superkids.
The 24-year old Benedicto who hails from Paniqui, Tarlac, shook off the challenge from youthful rival Javier Robeno and national teammate Jefferson Valdez with strong showing in the bike leg leading to a convincing win.
Benedicto, Robeno, a member of the national pool, and Valdez entered the transition 1 at close distance but Benedicto pulled away after the first of four loops in the bike leg.
“Diskarte po kasi talaga ang bantayan sina Robeno at Valdez sa run kasi doon sila malakas. Pagsapit sa bike ay saka ako mag-all-out,” said Benedicto, the 2007 Asian U-23 champion, who submitted clockings of one hour 30 minutes and 24 seconds in negotiating the 7.5-K run, 30-K bike and 5-K run event.
The 23 year old Robeno, who joined the national pool only last August took second with 1:32:39 while the veteran Valdez settled for third at 1:32:52. Triathlon champion George Vilog took fourth with 1:35:52 while another youthful national pool member in 20-year old Rowel Odonio ended at fifth with 1:36:09.
Torres, the 24-year old duathlete of Quezon City, who wants to prove that she deserves to be back with the national team after becoming the last athlete to get cut from the duathlon women's team that competed in the SEAG, led from start to finish for a distaff best time of 1:48:03.
“It's my first race and my first win and it's a good start,” said Torres. “My goal this year is to prove I too can excel not only locally but also internationally. That's why for this year, I'm going full time with duathlon and hopefully I can join the team in competing abroad.”
Remigio, who landed fourth spot in the last SEAG, settled for second at 1:51:06 while former national swimmer Jenny Guerrero (1:55:34), Amanda Carpo (1:57:30) and Joyette Jopson (2:04:29) took the next three spots.
Age group winners are Jhon Higger Quinones (under 19), Carlo Jose Pedregosa (20-24), Ferdinand Catabian (25-29), Abe Tayag (30-34), Pepito Deapera (35-39), Edrnan Ajena (40-44), Rune Stroem (45-49), Daboy Parero (50-54), Brigilio Balaba (55-over) dominating the male side, while May Benedicto (under 19), Carmela Patrici Serina (25-29), Franchesca Carpo (30-34), Imelda Marinas (35-39), Monica Arroyo (40-44), Rizabel Santos (50-above) shining in the female class.