Chicano tops Dagupan Invitational triathlon

National team standout John Chicano leaned on a strong bike leg to rule the Elite race of the first Dagupan Invitational Triathlon Sunday in Dagupan City.

Underscoring his status as one of the country’s best, Chicano negotiated the relatively flat course with relative ease, breaking away from the pack early in the bike stage to clock one hour, 52 minutes and 37 seconds. It was Chicano’s second victory in four races this year.

He picked up P15,000 for his effort. Sante Barley’s Robinson Esteves took second in 1:57:17 while Youth Olympic Games hopeful Jimuel Patilan wound up third in 2:05:12.

Teenagers James Allado and Shen Versoza also came up with noteworthy performances to rule the sprint distance races in the event organized by Teambikestop under Melvin Fausto and held in cooperation with the city government of Dagupan headed by Mayor Belen Fernandez.

Dagupan City Cycling Club finished second in the team relay with Frederick Mendoza topping the All-Dagupan division.

The 18-year-old Allado checked in at 1:07:49 for his second straight win.

Lingayen’s Versoza relied on her strength in the swim and bike legs to rule the girls’ division in 1:18:47.

Other age group winners: Noel Eliezar Navarro (18-24), Demy Calpito (25-29), Renato Sambrano (30-34), Jefferson Valdez (35-39), Julian Valencia (40-44), Eman Ajena (45-49), Doddie Dino Jr. (50-54), and Butch Ydia (55-59), Kriska Sto. Domingo (18-24), Chloe Jane Ong (25-29), Anna Liza Maraan (35-39), Gladys Abigail Honarde (40-44) and Nancy Reyes (45-49).