Mataragnon retains title in Cebu City Triathlon

Aaliyah Ricci Mataragnon celebrates as she crosses the finish line to win the women’s elite division of the 2nd Cebu City Triathlon at the Cebu City Sports Center. (CDN PHOTO/CHRISTIAN MANINGO)

AALIYAH Ricci Mataragnon retained her women’s elite crown in yesterday’s 2nd Cebu City Triathlon that started and ended at the Cebu City Sports Center (CCSC).

The 15-year old Mataragnon finished off the 750m swim, 20k bike and 5k run in one hour, 18 minutes and nine seconds to become the race’s first.

Also going home victorious was Boholano rising triathlete Paul Jumamil of Rider Omega Pro Tri Tea, who dominated the men’s elite division with a time of 1:04.30.

Mataragnon bucked a sore back to win the race.

“I had a great race. I’d like to thank God, my parents,my coaches and my teammates for this win,” said Mataragnon who represented Jumbo Plastic Lenoleum Tri Team.

In the middle of the 5k run, Mataragnon started to feel pain in her back due to muscle spasms but was egged on by her coach to pour it on as she was was nearing the finish line.

Mataragnon defeated youth national team member Jacqui Lampareno of Iloilo City, who finished second with 1:19.55.

Veteran triathlete Cyanil Jamae Gonzales of Rider Omea Pro Tri Team wound up third with 1:23.32.

On the other hand, Jumamil overcame a sloppy performance in the swim event to win the men’s elite division.

Jumamil took the lead at the last turning point of the 20k bike portion to edge out Kim Remolino of Autofocus Tri Team.

“I feel like super blessed because I placed first again in a race despite the bad swim I had. I just maintained my pace in the bike and run. I even had difficulty breathing in the last portion of the run because I did not take any energy gels for this race to test myself, luckily I managed to place first,” said the 23-year old

Jumamil, a former stalwart of Alaska Triaspire before moving to Rider Omega Pro Tri Team.

Remolino finished with 1:05.39 followed by Jorry Ycong of Repro Optima at 1:05.47.