LUCILLE Ruiz hopes that despite the lack of time for training, she’d still be able to defend her women’s elite title in the Consolacion Mountain Bike Duathlon in Consolacion town, northern Cebu, this Sunday.
The 41-year-old Ruiz, a member of the Keith DeFiebre cycling team, dominated the category last year, clocking two hours, 16 minutes and 49 seconds. Hannah Bun, her daughter and teammate, Pamela Jane, finished runners-up.
“I’ve been into running despite the time constraint and biking in the route if there’s more time,” said the elder Ruiz, who hails from Consolacion.
She was in Binangonan, Rizal, lately to support Pamela Jane, who finished fourth in the women’s juniors category of the Asian Mountain Bike Series last weekend.
Despite the lack of training, Ruiz said she is looking forward for a fun race, and winning would be a bonus.
Ruiz is also set to defend her women’s category crown in the Tayud Duathlon in Tayud, Consolacion, slated April 15.
Meanwhile, Rider Omega Pro’s Joland Olmilla will not be able to defend the men’s title as he is busy preparing for the upcoming IronMan 70.3 Davao on March 25, said organizer Alan Choachuy.
Choachuy said the duathlon has attracted 351 participants, including PRO Xterra triathlete Joseph Miller and Ombay Sulpicio, both runners-up in the men’s elite last year.