Dalaguete to host tri-team championships

TWO hundred and 31 triathletes are expected to strut their wares in the second leg of the Cebu love Tri team Championship series Leg 2 in Dalaguete on Feb. 2 and 3.

This edition will also feature the sprint distance to accommodate aspiring triathletes.

According to Sugbutriathlon’s Benjoe Gimenez, the sprint distance is not only good for beginners but for seasoned triathletes who desire a lung busting short course as well.

Gimenez was joined in yesterday’s press conference by Anton Regis, Parklane Hotel Tri Team captain Ralph Arche, Sugbutriathlon president Ric Dizon, Dalaguete tourism officer Victor Caruz, Dalaguete enviroment division head Almar Villahermosa and special task force head Erwin Belandres.

“The sport of triathlon can help boost the tourism industry of Dalaguete. The popularity of the sport is increasing,” said Caruz.

He added that this is the second time that Dalaguete will host a triathlon race, which will highlight the town’s fiesta celebration.

Since they plan to hold it annually, Villahermosa said that Mayor Ronald Cesante had met Gimenez to come up with a triathlon grassroots program.

“This is a good opportunity to showcase Dalaguete as a potential venue to host not only local and national races but as well as future international races,” Villahermosa said.

The race features a standard distance of 1.5-kilometer swim, 40-kilometer bike and a 10-kilometer run.

The sprint division will have a 750-meter swim, 20-kM bike and a 5-kilometer run.

The first leg was held in San Remegio and was topped by Team Fish 18 with 150 points.

Parklane got second with 64 points.

“We will try our best na makapamawi mi sa second leg. During the first leg, two of our female triathletes missed the race because they joined the Carrera Habagat race,” team captain Arche said.

Arche added that the return of Loveneil Casidsid and Hannah Galo in the second leg will be a boost.