ALLAEZA Mae Gulmatico and Maria Louisse Crisselle Alejado won their individual time trial races in contrasting fashion to make Iloilo proud anew yesterday on the second day of the PhilCycling National Championships for Road presented by the MVP Sports Foundation and Standard Insurance.
Gulmatico clocked 14 minutes and 45.90 seconds to rule the Women’s Youth 1 ITT for riders aged 12 to 14 years old at the 5.38-km course in Nasugbu and Batulao in Batangas of the championships organized by the PhilCycling headed by Philippine Olympic Committee president Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino.
It was a close win for Gulmatico in the event that was raced under a cold drizzle and strong crosswinds, with Ysabel Nicole Jamero finishing second by a mere 38-hundredth of a second and Joanna Mae Armendez winding up a far third almost 50 seconds behind.
Alejado clocked 22:46.51 to dominate the Youth 2 race over 8.60 km for 12 to 14 years old, winning by 24 seconds over silver medalist Yvaine Osias and bronze winner Althea Coronado by more than three minutes
Gulmatico and Alejado won the first two gold medals staked in the Criterium races last Monday at the Tagaytay City Atrium of the championships also backed by the POC, Tagaytay City and Excellent Noodles as well as the Philippine Sports Commission, which supports the national teams of cycling.
Jaime Yuendhale Chavez topped the Men Youth 2 event covering 8.60 km in 22:50.93, beating Silmar Khen Silao and John Granad who crossed the finish line in Barangay Kaylaway in Batulao more than four minutes behind.
Criterium champion Jazmine Kaye Vinoya missed a second gold medal after settling for a silver in the 10-68 km Women Junior ITT by five seconds behind gold winner Mary Gwennielle Francisco (30:51.86), with Eloiza Pajarito (31:07.66) bagging the bronze.
John Ace Villasenor (29:21.31) topped the Men Junior ITT also over 10.68 km with Emmanuel Vicente (29:26.91) and Ely Ignacio III (29:30.26) finishing second and third, respectively.
