Ruiz, Butad win Consolacion MTB duathlon crowns

Jimboy Butad in action in the bike leg of the Consolacion MTB Duathlon. CDN PHOTO/LITO TECSON

CEBUANOS Lucille Ruiz successfully defended her title while elite newcomer Jimboy Butad made a name for himself in the men’s elite competition of the Consolacion Mountain Bike Duathlon 2.0 held yesterday in Consolacion town, northern Cebu.

Ruiz, a 41-year-old member of the Keith DeFiebre cycling team, clocked two hours, 25 minutes, and 22.29 seconds to earn back to back titles in the women’s elite category.

Hannah Bunn (2:46:17.57) and her daughter, Pamela Jane (3:05:17.52), were again runners up. Both were also second and third, respectively in last year’s event.

Meanwhile, the 25-year-old Butad of Team Hagunoy, clocked 01:39:35.51 in his elite debut to bag the men’s title.

Team Kombati’s Sulpicio Ombay, also last year’s runner-up clocked 1:40:31.31 to finish second while Pilapz Boys’ Metchell Pilapil (1:41:40.98) settled for third.

Both Ruiz and Butad will compete in the Tayud Duathlon on April 15 as the former will defend her women’s title and the latter looking to win the title in the 29-Under age-group. Butad will also be competing in the San Francisco Camotes Cross-Country Mountain Bike Challenge next week.

Winner of the age-group categories were Christopher Ceniza of Open Lagang (Male 15-18), Marl Adrian Baguio (Male 19-24 and the fastest male overall), Jermie Hermosilla (Male 25-29), Glee Marie Largo (Female 25-29 and fastest female overall), Jhep-Poy Juson (Male 30-34), Julianne Villaflor (Female 30-34), Minaro Poloyskie (Male 35-39), Ervin Gadapan (Male 40-44), Merriam Calda (Female 40-44), Martin Cacanog (Male 45-49), and Michael Lauron (Male 50-above).

Other winners include Fr. Brian Brigolo (Fatbike/Plus size), and Rhyke Armas and Jonel Emia (Relay).