By ADRIAN STEWART CO

Francis Dayon and John Mark Sustento emerged as the standout tandem in the Mountain Bike Relay category of the MassKara Duathlon Race, powering their way to the top of the podium in a thrilling finish in Bacolod City.

The pair displayed exceptional teamwork and endurance, setting the tone early with their sharp cycling techniques and disciplined pacing.

Their synergy proved decisive, propelling them past the rest of the field to clinch the gold medal.

Leopoldi Japitana and John Evison placed second, while the tandem of Mj Maldegui and Roderick Punzalan completed the podium in third.

In the road bike open category, Edjie Arances took top honors, besting Borge Arriola and Rogen Aguirre, who finished second and third, respectively.

Angel Hope Gonzaga ruled the women’s open division, followed by Jwyn Muyco and Edge Prado.

Other champions included Chris Adrian Veloso (RB 19-under), Ren Alonzo (RB 20-29), Romulo Balinas Jr. (RB 30-39), Benjie General (RB 40-49), and Felimon Solatorio (RB 50-up).

In the MTB individual categories, winners were Lance Escora, Randolf Magbanua, Romnick Bibit, Divino Madrigal, Eguala Rodrigo Millenda, and John Leardo Malojo.

The MassKara Duathlon — a run-bike-run endurance challenge — drew athletes from across the country to celebrate fitness, competition and camaraderie in Bacolod City.

The event forms part of the ongoing MassKaralympics, organized by the Gugma Foundation Inc., in line with the city’s 46th MassKara Festival celebration./ASC, WDJ