THE 2008 Speedo National Age-Group Triathlon Championships held Sunday was marred by accidents that left a participant from Davao City suffering from injuries.
Glenn Villocino of Davao City met an accident when he collided with a vehicle during the bike leg of the race that started and ended at the Waterfront Insular Hotel.
Triathlon Association of Davao (Triad) president Oscar Escudero confirmed the accident, but hastened to add Villocino is now doing fine.
"Yes, Villocino met an accident. I wasn't there when it happened but I've gathered that he was hit at the rear of his bike," Escudero told Sun.Star Davao over the phone Monday afternoon.
"He's okay. Saved for that incident, the race was successful. The turnout of entries reached 74, bigger than last year's staging," Escudero said.
Former Southeast Asian (SEA) Games gold medallist Dominic Carpio, who joined the race, also confirmed the bike crash.
"A triathlete from Cagayan de Oro suffered a minor injury after he lost balance during the bike leg. I heard one from Davao collided with a vehicle but I'm not privy to the details," Carpio said.
Unconfirmed reports reaching this writer said that Villocino might have sustained a dislocated hip, concussion, and bruises.
But Escudero and Carpio were one in saying that the conduct of the race was in order, belying reports reaching Sun.Star Davao that the race had no permits.
"We had road permits. There were three police escorts, rover scouts marshals, recorders and water stops," Escudero said.
"The course was dry during the race. The marshals were complete and roads were even closed to traffic during the whole route. I think Villocino was running first during the bike leg when the accident happened," Carpio said.
Davao's Dino Paulo Ouano, who was among the early favorites, failed to join after he rammed into a light post Saturday after coming from the race briefing.
"I had an accident in Lanang. The road was slippery due to the heavy rains that day. I'm okay now. I thank God for this second life. It's sad I wasn't able to compete," Ouano said.
Christopher Eyao clocked one hour and 38.16 seconds in the swim-bike-run event to emerge champion in the 30-34 category, while Jefferson Tabacon topped the 19-below event.
Arvie Kane Abejuela copped the 20-24 title while Edsib Blanco ruled 25-29 and Placido Diaz topped 35-39.
The other top finishers were Gregorio Castillo (40-44), Felix Motil (45-49) and Felina Tadiaman (female 30-above).
The Macmac team governed the relay category in the race that gave away cash prizes, trophies, and medals to the winners.
