IT’S ALL systems go for the opening leg of the Pilipinas Duathlon Series 2016 as more than 800 duathletes are set to jockey for the top spot in the first offering of the four-leg series on Sunday in Nuvali, Sta. Rosa Laguna.
A few names on the long list include Cebu bets Joland Olmilla, Chobie Duenas, Mischelle Gilbuena and National Duathlon team members Rubeno Javier, Carlo Pedregosa and Mirasol Abad.
The 22-year old Mandaue City duathlete Olmilla will have some ground to fill as he looks to prove his worth of being named to the National team against fellow members Javier and Pedregosa in the men’s elite competition.
Late last year, Olmilla was named to National Duathlon team after putting up a remarkable performance in the 2015 National Duathlon Championships (NDC) here in Cebu by winning the gold medal in the 20-24 age group category.
Aside from Olmilla, 19-year-old sensation Chobie Duenas hopes to follow the footsteps of his brother and multi-titled triathlete John Philip Duenas as he lock horns with some of the country’s finest stars in the men’s elite category, which will feature 16 competitors.
Also looking to make a name for herself is redemption-seeking star and Bantayan Island native Mischelle Gilbuena who will compete in the premier women’s elite division.
Completing the cast in the women’s play are 2015 NDC sprint junior division champion Jelsie Sabado and Rowena Valdez.