ITALIAN COMPANY BACKS CEBUANO JUNIOR CYCLIST

Published in Sun Star Newspaper on May 27, 2012 Sunday issue
Mike Limpag, Sports Editor

Italian cycling company Campagnolo, the world's top manufacturer of cycling groupset components, has thrown its support behind 17-year old Cebuano cyclist Luis Miguel "Igimax" Maximo by providing the PHL natl junior team member with the latest top of the line, 11-speed groupset component for his cycling training and racing needs.

The partnership, facilitated by YKK Trading, will enable Igimax to compete not only in cycling but as well as in triathlon and duathlon, with the use of a special time-trial bike equipped with 11-speed groupset & bar-end shifters.

Using the upgraded racing equipment, the two-time Sportswriters Asoociation of Cebu awardee will test his cycling experience as he represents Cebu in the Philippine Duathlon Series today in Alabang, Manila. It is one of the biggest duathlon in the country, with more than 500 athletes chasing the coveted titles.

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The Barangay Lahug resident dipped his feet into triathlon just this year and came out champion in men's 15-19 category and no. 1 over-all in the international Xterra Off-Road Triathlon Lite last March 18 in Liloan. He was also the champion in the men's 19-under category in the 1st Talisay Triathlon last March 25.

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"I got sick after completing back to back swim-bike-run events in a span of one week. I guess it was too much for my body. I took an extended rest and hopefully I am recovered now," shares the PAREF Springdale student who graduated high school with honors. The fatigue prevented the youngster from competing in National Age Group Triathlon (NAGT) Series and the Subic Bay International Triathlon last April which could have given him the chance to test his endurance against top foreign and national junior triathletes.

MAXIMO TO SEE ACTION IN PH DUATHLON TODAY

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Published in Cebu Daily News on May 27, 2012 Sunday issue
by Jonas Penerio, Correspondent
Rick Gabuya, Sports Editor

RP national junior team member Luis Miguel "Igi" Maximo takes to the road once again as he competes for Cebu in the Philippine Duathlon series today at Daang Hari, Manila.

The event is the biggest duathlon event in the country, with more than 500 multisport athletes chasing the coveted titles and bragging rights.  It is sponsored by Powerade and organized by Adrenaline Multisport Group headed by Thumbie Remigio.

Maximo is considered a neophyte in this sport after taking up triathlon just this year and came out as champion in the Men 15-19 category and No. 1 overall in the international Xterra Off-Road Triathlon Lite last March in Liloan.  He also won the Men 19-Under category in the 1st Talisay Triathlon in that very same month in Talisay City.

Italian cycling company Campagnolo, the world's top manufacturer of cycling components, has also thrown its support to the 17-year old by providing him with the top of the line, 11-speed groupset component for his cycling training and racing needs.

The 6k run, 30k bike, 3k run duathlon today will determine if the youngester from Cebu is ready to take the challenge of a more demanding multisport./CORRESPONDENT JONAS PANERIO

BEA MAXIMO: MY FIRST TRI

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Published in The Freeman Newspaper on March 27, 2012 Thursday issue
by Bea Maximo, Contributor
Manny Villaruel, Sports Editor

Swim, bike and run to the finish line. Last Sunday, I witnessed the very first triathlon held in Talisay. The race was one of the highlights of Talisay's commemoration of the American troops’ landing in the city. It consisted of a 1,000-meter swim, 30-kilometer bike and 7.5K run. There was also a mixed relay division for the adults, while the kids division had a 300m swim, 8K bike and 3K run.

As a spectator, you get all worked up and root for your favorites, screaming at the sidelines saying “dali, dali! kaya na nimo maapsan na ka!”, as one participant shouted back “dili lalim uy!” I then realized the determination and discipline every athlete had to possess for them to be able to surpass the gruelling swim, the exhausting bike ride and the draining run to the finish line was definitely not a walk in the park.

One does not go out into the battlefield unarmed and expect to emerge victorious that is why I salute every person who wore a tri suite that day because the mere fact that they had the courage to step up and achieve what the next person simply dreams of doing is just very inspirational.

Some people dream of success while others wake up and achieve it. Hats off to all the finishers of the First Talisay Triathlon, however in a race, winners must be crowned.

The author (C) with her siblings Luis Miguel (R) and Ana Patricia Maximo

I would like to quote Orison Swett Marden, “We fail to see that we can control our own destiny; make ourselves do whatever is possible; make ourselves become whatever we long to be”. These renowned beings controlled their own destiny and fought hard to garner a place in their division.

(Editor's note: The contributor is a 20-year-old Cebuana presently taking up Occupation Therapy in University of Sto. Tomas (UST). A football varsity player and a half-marathon finisher of Whidbey Island Marathon in Washington, USA and Cebu City Marathon, she came all the way from Manila to cheer for her siblings on their very first on-road triathlon race.)

BEA MAXIMO: A SALUTE TO TALISAY TRIATHLON FINISHERS

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Published in Sun Star Newspaper on March 27, 2012 Tuesday issue
by Bea Maximo, Contributor
Mike T. Limpag & Marian C. Baring, Editors

SWIM, bike and run to the finish line! Last March 25, 2012, I witnessed the very first triathlon held in Talisay. This race was one of the highlights of the City’s commemoration of the American troops’ landing in the city. It consisted of a 1,000-meter swim, 30-kilometer bike, 7.5K run and a mixed relay division for the adults, while the kids’ division had a 300-meter swim, 8-kilometer bike and 3-kilometer run.

As a spectator in these events, you get all worked up and root for your favorites, screaming at the sidelines saying, “Dali, dali! Kaya na nimo maapsan na ka!”

As one participant shouted back, “Dili lalim oy!” I then realized the determination and discipline every athlete had to possess for them to be able to surpass the grueling swim, the exhausting bike ride and the draining run to the finish line. It was definitely not a walk in the park.

One does not go out into the battlefield unarmed and expect to emerge victorious, that is why I salute every person who wore a tri suite that day because the mere fact that they had the courage to step up and achieve what the next person simply dreams of doing is just very inspirational.

Some people dream of success while others wake up and achieve it! Hats off to all the finishers of the First Talisay Triathlon, however in a race, winners must be crowned.

ALL IN THE FAMILY.  The author (center) with brother Luis Miguel and sister Ana Patricia.  Luis won the 19-under division, while Ana topped the 13-14 agegroup.

I would like to quote Orison Swett Marden: “We fail to see that we can control our own destiny; make ourselves do whatever is possible; make ourselves become whatever we long to be.” These renowned beings controlled their own destiny and fought hard to garner a place in their division.

(The author is a 20-year old Cebuana taking up Occupation Therapy in UST. A football varsity player and a runner, she came to all the way from Manila to cheer for her siblings on their very first on-road Triathlon race.)

Published in the Sun.Star Cebu newspaper on March 27, 2012.

LIM, TAN COLLAR TOP PLUMS IN 1ST TALISAY TRIATHLON RACE

TAN, LIM RULE TALISAY TRIATHLON

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Published in The Freeman Newspaper on March 26, 2012 Monday issue
by Caecent Magsumbol, Staff Writer
Manny Villaruel, Sports Editor

CEBU, Philippines - Rochelle Tan lived up to her billing as Cebu's new triathlon queen, while Kristiane Lim stunned the early favorites to rule the men's division of the inaugural Talisay City Triathlon yesterday.

Tan completed the race covering 1,000-meter swim, 30km bike and 7.5km run in two hours, 11 minutes and 29.72 seconds to romp off with the women's crown.

Hannah Lou Galo took the first runner-up honors in 2:12:49.31, while Lovelienell Casidsid could only make it to the third spot in 2:19:18.76.

Rochelle’s day was even made brighter as her dad Tyronne topped the men’s 40-49 action, even as her brothers Rafael and Rainer also made waves.

Tyrone Tan clocked in 1:53:10.42 to edge out Gandhi Truya (1:59:56.81) and Jay Pizarras (2:10:13.38). Rafael came out second in the kids 11-12 class won by Yuan Chiongbian, while Rainer won the relay event together with Victor Monsanto and Jessie Arriola, who was the first to finish the swim part of the three-in-one race.

Siblings Jebb and Jorgina Cane came out second in the relay, while Rhea Papas, Andre Pacheco and Eric Malimban placed third.

Lim, on the other hand, dominated the men’s open with the time of 1:39:57.88. He pulled off an upset over former Philippine Team member Gerrie Calinawan, who finished in 1:40:59.77. Franz Baguio settled for third with a 1:42:53.93 clocking.

Two comebacking Cebuano triathletes, Eugene Sanchez and Chris Aldeguer, posted a 1-2 finish in the 30-39 class. Sanchez posted the time of 1:50:24.89, while Aldeguer finished in 1:53:25.45. Ritchie Mataragnon ended up third in 1:55:43.18.

Sherwin Managil had a memorable debut in triathlon after dominating the 20-29 class with the time of 1:46:46.65 followed by Frederick Pahanonot (1:51:15.46) and Jarvis Jaranilla (1:57:30.35).

Douglas Sharpe was the best finisher in the 50-above action in 2:26:08.10 followed by Benhur Caderao (2:36:15.49) and Enrique Fenazas (2:56:48.34).

Two other siblings, Luis Miguel and Ana Patricia Maximo, also showcased their wares well even as they were unopposed in their respective classes.

Luis Miguel registered the time of 2:01:08.94 in the men's 19-under, while her younger sister Ana Patricia won the girls 13-14 category in 51 minutes and 4.89 seconds.

The Chiongbians also had a good time as aside from Yuan, his brother Justin Liam topped the boys 13-14 followed by Jezreel Tan.

The other age-group winners were Aaliyah Ricci Mataragnon (girls 11-12) and Nina Francesca Villaba (10-under). - THE FREEMAN

TANS TOP 1ST TALISAY TRIATHLON

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Published in Sun Star Newspaper on March 26, 2012 Monday issue
by Iste S. Leopoldo, Staff Writer
Mike Limpag, Sports Editor

EVERY triathlon race is a father-daughter bonding time for Rochelle and Tyrone Tan and serves as her motivation to top every triathlon race she joins, just like in the First Triathlon Race yesterday at the Talisay City New Fish Port.

Rochelle crossed the finish with her father Tyrone at her side in 2:11:29 and clinch the top spot in the women’s open. Hannah Lou N. Galo got second in 2:12:49, while Loveleinell F. Casidsid settled for third in 2:19:18.

Though Tyrone crossed the finish line with his daughter, it was his second time to do so as he finished the race in 1:53:10 to top the 40-49 men’s division over Gandhi Truya (1:59:56) and Jay M. Pizarras (2:10:13).

“Usually my father is the one who finishes first in his age group division and then he always comes back for me and it really helps especially if I am wearing out. Then when I see my dad, I feel like getting a boost because it means that I am already close to the finish line,” said the 19-year-old Rochelle, who admitted it was her father who motivated her to get into sports.

The men’s open division was won by Kristiane S. Lim in 1:39:57, while Gerrie Calinawan got second place in 1:40:59. Franz Baguio got third place in 1:42:53.

Relay

In the relay division, Victor Monsanto, Rainier Tan and Jessie Arriola topped the category with a time of 1:55:21, almost six minutes ahead of Jebb Lynus and Jorgina Cane, who finished in 2:01.06. Rhea Papas, Andre Pacheco and Eric C. Malimba got third place in 2:02.21.56.

In the 30-39 age group, Eugene Sanchez (1:50:24) got first over Vellum’s CEO and comebacking triathlete Chris Aldeguer (1:53:25) and Ritchie Mataragnon (1:55:43).

One of Cebu’s top runners, Moh Sherwin Managil, won his first triathlon race and topped the 20-29 age group in (1:46:16). He beat Frederick Pahanonot (1:51:15) and and Jarvis Nike B. Jaranilla (1:57:30). Douglas Sharpe won took the 50 and above title in 2:26.08 over Benhur Caderao (2:36:15) and Enrique C. Tenaza (2:56:48).

In the kids division, it was an all-family affair with Yuan and Justin Liam Chiongbian and Ana Patricia and Luis Miguel Maximo topping their divisions.

Yuan won the 11-12 in 42:32, while Justin Liam won the 13-14 in 40:13. Ana Patricia won her first race in the 13-14 in 51:04, while footballer-turned cyclist Luis Miguel topped the 19-below in 2:01:08. Niña Francesca Villaba got the 10-Under girls title in 55:08, while Aaliyah Ricci V. Mataragnon won the 11-12 division in 51:57.26.

Published in the Sun.Star Cebu newspaper on March 26, 2012.

AFTER XTERRA LITE, IGIMAX HOPES TO MAKE WAVES IN TALISAY TRIATHLON

Published in The Freeman Newspaper on March 25, 2012 Sunday issue
Manny Villaruel, Sports Editor

What started as a race to survive became a race to the top.

16-year old Cebuano athlete Luis Miguel "Igimax" Maximo, the youngest participant of the XTerra Triathlon Lite last week at the picturesque Amara subdivision in Liloan, did not only grab the champion's trophy in  men's 15-19 category but also come out on top in the over-all standings.

"All I was aiming for was to finish the race.  Gikulba-an ko sa 500-meter swim since that was my first triathlon," beams the youngest member of the Philippine cycling team.

"I really did not expect the results, especially the swim leg which I did not feel any nervousness.  I think it has something to do when Tito John (Pages) assisted me during our practice swims.  It gave me enough confidence to swim in open water, dealing with the strong waves.  And I thank him for being patient with me," shared the eight-time Springdale Athlete of the Year awardee.

Young Cebuano XTerra warriors and good buddies Igi Maximo (left) and celebrity actor Matteo Guidicelli.  Maximo placed first in the men's 15-19 category, while Guidicelli grabbed the second place honors in the men's 20-24 class.

Bouyed by the encouraging result, Igimax will take it a notch higher when he joins the 1st Talisay Triathlon today.  The grueling race covers 1-kilometer swim, 30km bike and 7.5km run.

"I haven't tried a 1,000-meter swim before.  What I plan to do is swim the first 500-meter, cling on the bouys for 2-5 minutes to rest, then finish the remaining 500 meters.  It will be a slow swim, but I hope to make it up in the bike leg which I am more familiar with," revealed the two-time awardee of the Sportswriters Association of Cebu (SAC).

"My ultimate aim is to complete a 1.5km swim, 40km bike and 10km run Olympic distance triathlon," said Igimax, who recently graduated with honors in high school from PAREF Springdale.

In Talisay, Igimax will be joined by another member of TEAM maX1mo, 12-year old Ana Patricia "Icamax" Maximo, who will have her first triathlon consisting of a kiddie version of 300-meter swim, 8km bike and 3km run.

"My brother is my coach in cycling.  I'm excited but nervous in my first triathlon," said the student of Sacred Heart Hijas de Jesus.

1ST TALISAY TRIATHLON ON

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Published in Cebu Daily Newspaper on March 25, 2012 Sunday issue
by Mars Alison and Jonas Panerio
Rick Gabuya, Sports Editor

Following the success that he achieved on his first dive into triathlon, 16-year old sportsman Luis Miguel "Igi" Maximo will give it another shot as he competes in the 1st Talisay Triathlon today in Talisay City.

Maximo, the youngest member of the RP cycling team, actually made a huge splash on the triathlon circuit last weekend as he finished at the top in the Men's 15-19 category in the prestigious XTerra Lite Triathlon last Sunday in Liloan town, northern Cebu.

"All I was aiming for was to finish the race.  Gi kulba-an ko sa 500 meter swim since that was my first triathlon," said Maximo about his stint in Xterra.

"I really did not expect the results, especially the swim leg.  I didn't feel nervous and I think it had something to do when Tito John (Pages) assisted me during our practice swims.  It gave me enough confidence to swim in open water, dealing with the strong waves.  I thank him for being patient with me."

This time Maximo will try to take it up another notch as he tackles the 1-kilometer swim, 30-km bike and 7.5-km run in a route that takes participants all over the Talisay City.

Joining Maximo is another member of TEAM maX1mo, 12-year old Ana Patricia "Icamax" Maximo, who will have her first triathlon consisting of a kiddie version 300-meter swim, 8-km bike and 3-km run.

Today's race will be the gauge on whether or not this race will become an annual event for Talisay as part of its efforts to promote the city as a sports tourism hub.

Aside from triathlon, other events being contested as part of the American Landing Celebration are beach volleyball and horseshoe race./CORRESPONDENT MARS ALISON AND JONAS PANERIO