Joseph Arnel Emia and Dongkey Sanchez receive their finisher’s medal after crossing the finish line in the Alveo Ironman 70.3 Davao held last March 24. CDN Digital photo | Mars G. Alison
CEBU CITY, Philippines — The mixed relay team of the Cebu City Rider Omega Triathlon Team was finally declared as the champion in the Alveo Ironman 70.3 Davao held in Davao city last March 24, 2019.
The declaration was made by organizer Sunrise Events Inc. last Friday, March 29, 2019, five days after the international event was held.
The squad’s mixed relay team of Karen Andaya for the 1.9 kilometer swim, Dongkey Sanchez for the 90 kilometer bike and Joseph Arnel Emia for the 21 kilometer run crossed the finish line way ahead of their opponents clocking four hours, 13 minutes and two seconds (4:13:02) and were looking forward to the awarding.
They were, however, surprised to find out before the awarding ceremonies that they were disqualified because their biker, Sanchez, did not stop at the penalty tent and serve a penalty for a violation.
Head coach Franz Baguio said in an interview then that they were confused because no one had approached Sanchez and informed him that he had a violation.
“Mao na ang problema di ha kay ingon si Dongkey nga wa may ni inform niya nga naa siyay penalty, so wa siya nihunong sa penalty tent. Wa mi kabaw unsa amo violation,” said Baguio.
(That’s the problem because Dongkey told us that no one informed him that he has a penalty that is why he did not stop at the penalty tent. We don’t know what our violation is.)
Participants are supposed to get a card to signify that they have violated a rule of the race and are supposed to stop at the penalty tent and serve their penalty before continuing.
The team approached Sunrise and they were told to file a formal protest so it can be looked into.
“We are happy that Sunrise honored our protest and decided to reverse the decision. Afterall, our athletes worked hard for this,” said Baguio.
Sunrise has also issued an apology with regards to the matter, “We would like to apologize for the error and we would like to congratulate the winners of the mixed relay category. All concerned have been informed. Thank you all for your patience and understanding.”
This brings to a total of 10 out of 15 members of the Cebu City Rider Omega Triathlon Team having a successful outing in the Ironman 70.3 Davao. /bmjo