Japanese rule Camotes tri

NIPPON Sports Institute coach Hiroyuki Nishiuchi and Yukiko Koike topped the men’s and women’s middle distance division of the First Captivating Camotes Triathlon in Santiago Bay, San Francisco last Sunday.

Nischiuchi, a 15-time Ironman finisher, completed the 1.8-kilometer swim, 60-kilometer bike and 15K run in 4:08:20. He was followed by Tri-Bohol’s Emmanuel Commendador (4:11:08) and Cebu’s John Philip Duenas (4:15:13).

“I’ve been here in the Philippines several times, competing in Subic but I’ve never been here in the countryside where the place is really breath-taking,” said 37-year-old Nischiuchi, who competed in the Athens Olympics.

Duenas, a veteran marathoner who shifted to triathlon less than a year ago, said he felt privileged to be competing against a world-class triathlete.

“I felt honored to be competing with a former Olympian because from here, I can gauge my level of competence. Nischiuchi was really fast in the swim and bike portions, but was I was able to catch up with him in the run segment,” said Duenas.

Kioke took the title in 4:36.20, beating Lovelineil Casidsid.

In the standard divisions, Bernie Gomez took the title in 3:23:20, beating Jesson Cuyos (3:45:53) and Rico Petallar (4:03:01). NSI’s Fumi Ojawa took the women’s in 4:11:13. She was followed by Atuko Iwamatsu (4:36:23).

In the men’s sprint, first-timer Ramie Lawas topped the 750-m swim, 20K bike and 5K run in 1:57:34. He beat Gary Maningo (2:45:36) and Chito Hernandez (2:53:20). Doreen Jabinez won the women’s crown in 2:35:48, beating Xedessa Cuyos (2:59:08) and Alelu Cane with 3:14:25.

In the supertrikids Danikah Jabines won the 9-10 age group in 14:17; Mikele Jopson ruled the 7-under division in 14:19; and Johana Maloloy-on took the 11-12 age group in 16:16. MC Justin Hernandez won the boys 13-15 age group in 33:19, while Jieter Bada, Roy and Fernando Berbesasa topped the relay category.