Canada, Japan aces rule the roost

CANADIAN Tyler Mislawchuk overcame stomach cramps to secure his first victory in an ITU event even as Japanese Chika Sato defended her title Sunday in the 2015 ASTC Asian Triathlon Cup presented by Speedo and the Philippine Sports Commission.

Mislawchuk, a former hockey player before embracing the sport six years ago, clocked one hour, 47 minutes and 56 seconds to rule the men’s Elite race.

Australian Daniel Coleman checked in 20 seconds later in the 1.5-kilometer swim, 40k-bike and 10k run test of endurance held at the Subic Freeport with compatriot Alexis Lepage placing third (1:48:48).

“I was with the 12-man lead pack in the bike and had a great run,” said the 22-year-old Mislawchuk.

Sato retained the female Elite title in 2:04:24. Another Japanese, Hideko Kikuchi, came in second (2:04:45) followed by Laura Dennis (2:04:55).

It was Sato’s third career win since 2007.

A total of 39 male and 14 female entries vied in the race that started at the Malawaan Park and ended at Harbor Point. The race was organized by the Triathlon Association of the Philippines in cooperation with Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority and sanctioned by the Asian Triathlon Confederation and International Triathlon Union.

Filipino John Chicano placed 19th (1:55:37) and Fil-Am Kim Kilgroe 11th (2:18:59) in the races supported by 2GO Express, East West Building Technology Inc., Resorts World Manila, Camayan Resort, Ocean Adventure, The Lighthouse Marina Resort, Seafood Island, Ogio, Omega Pro and Jest Camp.

In the 15-under age-group, Brent Valelo beat Fredric Albert Chiongbian and Bambam Manglicmot for the gold. Valelo, 14, completed the 400-meter swim, 12K bike and 3K mini-sprint in 46 minutes while Chiongbian timed 46:12 and Manglicmot 47:10.

Hong Kong’s Bailee Brianna Brown ruled the girls’ division in 48:52. Batang Pinoy champion Nicole Eijansantos was second (50:09) and Sam McInnes third (51:39). June Navarro