TALENT runs in the blood; it is sometimes inevitable, particularly in sports.
Cousins Ralph Arche of Team Parklane and Omega Pro’s Lorhiz Echavez-Lopez reigned supreme in the men’s and women’s full distance category of Tabuelan 111 Triathlon last Sunday at Maravilla Beach Resort.
Arche started strong in the swim to position himself in contention. He eventually emerged victorious at the end after crossing the finish line in 4 hours 49 minutes and 34 seconds and snatched the coveted title in the men’s division.
“I was third out of the water and was a bit surprised to know that I was controlling the pace for the most part of the swim. I knew I was in pretty good condition then,” Arche told Sun.Star Cebu.
“I dropped to third in the bike as I tried to chase strong cyclists Jong Sajulga and Joseph Miller. I eventually caught up with Miller with just 5K to go in the run,” he added.
According to Arche this was one of the biggest wins he has had in his triathlon career.
“I am so happy with the win since this doesn't happen very often for me. I know how competitive the men's field is. This was a great win since Tabuelan is one of the biggest events here in Cebu next to Ironman,” he said.
Equicredit’s Elmo Clarabal clocked in 4:50:11 to place second, while Xterra Pro Miller crossed the finish line in 4:56:21 to rounded up the men’s top three.
In the women’s division, Lopez crossed the finish line in 5:43:13 to stamp her class in a convincing manner; having a comfortable 22 minutes led of the second finisher Parklane's Cianyl Jamae Gonzalez who clocked 6:05:42, while Jacqueline Quant came third in 6:21:26
Lopez, who bettered her last year's second place in Tabuelan, divulge that she was not in the best emotional state coming in this year's race.
“My son had a dengue scare just a few days leading to the race. I was stressed and had a stomach bug. Come race day I was fortunate it turned out great,” Lopez told Sun.Star Cebu.
Lopez dominated the women's division having the best time in swim, bike and run.
The Tabuelan triathlon had a long distance in 2-kilometer swim, 88K bike and 21K run which was a good field for the preparation of some triathletes that are joining the Cobra Ironman 70.3
“I may win the local races but the Ironman 70.3 is a different competition. I would say my preparation is on track but I need to work more on the run,” said Lopez.
After races like Tri-Bantayan last May 3, Bogo 8080 last May 11, and Tabuelan 111 Arche feels that his preparation for Ironman is on track.
“A lot can still happen in the next seven weeks so I need to stay focus and get significant improvement as much as possible,” said Arche.
The third staging of the Tabuelan Triathlon drew more than 500 triathletes in long distance, half distance and team relay categories.