Chicano tops rain-shortened Unilab Tri United second leg

National team member John Chicano proved stronger in the run leg to rule the shortened Tri United 2 male elite race of the Unilab Active Health Tri United series Sunday at Playa Laiya in San Juan, Batangas.

The 23-year-old Chicano covered the 60K bike and 15K run course in two hours, 29 minutes and 36 seconds, topping a strong field that included last year’s champion August Benedicto.

Organizers called off the swim leg for safety reasons after big waves battered the Playa Laiya beach front. But it hardly mattered as Chicano kept pace with Benedicto in the bike leg before turning up the pace in the run.

“I was able to take the lead in the first loop of the run leg and then I just maintained the pace,” said Chicano.

Benedicto checked in four minutes later than Chicano to finish second with a 2:33:46 clocking while Benjamin Rana finished third at 2:35:45 in the event organized by Bike King.

The victory boosted Chicano’s bid for the overall crown after he also finished second in the opening leg in Subic early this year. Benedicto all but kissed his hopes of retaining his overall title as he wound up ninth in the opening leg.

“I will still prepare hard for TU3,” said Benedicto.

The race was originally set to include a  2K swim leg.

The lone entry in the women’s elite, Anna Stroh, suffered a left knee injury, forcing her out of the race.  Cedelf P. Tupas

OTHER WINNERS: Male—Mervin Santiago (18-24), Robinson Esteves (25-29), Angelo Gonzalo (30-34), Jeff Valdez (35-39), Edward Luna (40-44), Mark Ellis (45-49), Frank Lacson (50-54), Killy Kunimoto (55-above).  Female—Keshia Fule (25-29), Chloe Ong (30-34), Ceri Ruzzi (35-39), Doray Ellis (40-44), Celma Hitalia (45-above); Age-group male—Sam Ranque (16-17), Marc Alexander (18-29), Charles Or (30-39), Ariel Arriola (40-49), Romero Ramos Jr. (50-above); Age-group female—Vicky Deldio (16-17), Zoe Arianne Banzon (18-29), Lourdes Angela Ramos (30-39), Stephanie Frondoso (40-above)