MANILA, Philippines — John Chicano stole the thunder from the heralded Nikko Huelgas as he ruled the elite division of the Tri United 1 triathlon Sunday in Subic Bay.
Chicano led all the way in humbling the fancied but weary Huelgas in the race that kicked off Unilab Active Health’s 2014 Tri United season.
Chicano clocked two hours, one minute and 14 seconds in topping the 1.5-K swim, 40-K bike, 10K run event, while Huelgas checked in at 2:03:22.
Augusto Benedicto wound up third with a 2:03:49 clocking.
Olympian Radka Vodickova of the Czech Republic captured the women’s Elite title in 2:08:40. Vodickova, who vied in the 2012 London Olympics, picked up P10,000 for the victory she fashioned out against a strong international field.
Filipino Monica Torres settled for second with a 2:15:57 clocking with Anna Stroh and Ma. Claire Ordona sharing third with identical times of 2:20:44. Fitness First topped the team event by clocking 26:01:05.
Other standard distance champions: Mervin Santiago and Claudia Tagle (18-24), Robinson Estevez and Chloe Ong (25-29), Jeremiah Isip and Jayline Balatibat (30-34), Edison Morales and Lezette Albarote (35-39), Rayzon Galdonez and Doray Ellis (40-44), Jojo Macalintal and Mariela Pow (45-49), Frank Lacson (50-54) and Thomas Kuhne (55-above).
Sprint distance winners: Jimuel Patillan and Vicky Deldio (16-17), Justin Danguilan and Margarita Lazo (18-29), Mark Hernandez and Maria Hizon (30-39), Julius Buen (40-49) and Nona Torres (female 40-above) and Enrico Ibana (50-above).