Jittery Echavez rules Subic triathlon

IN HER first attempt in major triathlon events, Cebuana Lorhiz Echavez got bruises and gashes after figuring in a bike accident, but still managed to win.

Now, in her first race as a member of the national triathlon team, Echavez won, posted a better time and even better—she was injury-free.

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Echavez overcame pre-race jitters to pull off a successful finish in the Subic International Triathlon yesterday at the Subic Free Port.

Before the race, a nervous Echavez aimed only for a decent finish. She exceeded her own expectations as she topped her age division and also finished third overall in the women’s ranking.

She finished with a time of 2:41.10, enjoying an almost 20-minute lead over eventual second placer Margarita Locsin.

Locsin clocked in at 3:00.11, while Anne Catherine Hernandez was third with 3:14.

“I had a very strong run but I was slowed down by the bike part of the race. I have to work more on my bike skills, especially the uphill climbs. But overall I’m just happy to have raced safely and to finish with a good time,” said Echavez.

She was third overall in the women’s division, trailing veteran triathletes Ani Karina de Leon, who finished at 2:29.14 and Doray Ellis, who clocked in at 2.36.34.

De Leon is the current record-holder for the sprint and she is the only female Filipino who qualified for the Kona Ironman.

She used to be a part of the Philippine team until she became a coach for the Fitness First Tri Team.

Ellis, on the other hand, is a recreational triathlete for four years. She stopped after getting pregnant and got back to racing last year.

Today, it will be the turn of Noy Jopson to compete in his age division.