Cebuano jr triathletes shine in Hong Kong meet

CEBUANO junior triathletes Aaliyah Ricci Mataragnon and Ralph Eduard So managed decent finishes in the 2013 Lantau ITU Triathlon Asian Cup in Lantau, Hong Kong last weekend.

Both clinched podium spots in the tough competition in the 13 to 15 years old category of the race that featured a 375-meter swim, 10-kilometer bike and 2.5k run.

Mataragnon was the runner-up in her division while So secured third-place honors.

Mataragnon clocked 46:55 while the champion, Zodl Athina, was 10-minutes ahead of her (36:08). Rounding off the top three in Mataragnon’s category was Paige Suzanna Deayton of South China Athletics Association, who finished in 47:09.

So crossed the finish line in 39:53 to capture the third spot. His division was dominated by South China Athletics Association’s Mathew Tan (38:46). Finishing second was Onishi Saryu (39:45).

Aaliyah’s father, Rithchie, also managed a podium finish as he settled for third place in the sprint distance of the 35 to 39 age group division. He clocked in 1:19:36.

His division was lorded by Parcell Steven (1:18.22) followed by Zielinski Jeffrey (1:18:47). /CORRESPONDENT DALE G. ROSAL