ASIAN elite champion Monica Torres sustained her energy despite an upset stomach to clinch the women’s duathlon gold on Monday at the Subic Bay Boardwalk.
Torres ruled the 10km run-40km bike-5km run after finishing in two hours, eight minutes and 44 seconds.
“Expected ko na malakas yung bike ko pero yung totoo naisuka ko lahat ng nutrition and gels ko,” said Torres, who stressed she wasn’t pressured at all following the victories of compatriots John Chicano and Kim Mangrobang in triathlon.
‘‘I didn’t feel any pressure after our triathletes won yesterday. We already expected them to win because they’re really strong in their events. More or less, we know each other, even those who join the tournaments within the region, except for a few surprise entries. But we’re always ready for them. We also expect that some of them will have podium finishes in both the triathlon and duathlon,’’ said Torres.
‘‘Malaking tulong po yung mga tao na sumusuporta kaya inisip ko nalang na I will not let them down,” she added.
The 3-time Powerman Asia Duathlon Champion was followed by Pareeya Sonsem of Thailand, who clocked 2:11:18, while Thi Phuong Trinh Nguyen of Vietnam delivered the first duathlon medal for her country by pocketing the bronze medal in 2:14:20.
Earlier, a disappointed Joey Delos Reyes finished second with a time of 1:53:05 for the silver medal in the men’s side.
“Oo [disappointed] syempre nasa lugar po ‘to natin kaya pinipilit ko na makuha ‘yung gold pero at least kahit silver nakuha pa rin,” said Delos Reyes.
Jauhari Johan gave Indonesia its second gold after ruling the grueling 10km run-40km bike-5km run in one hour, 52 minutes, and 51 seconds.
“I am very happy because this is the first gold medal for Indonesia in duathlon,” said Jauhari, a double silver medalist in SEA Games 2011.
Thailand’s Nattawut Srinate settled for a bronze medal with 1:53:05 timing.
