Chicano grabs PH duathlon slot

Active Health Elite standout John Chicano bucked cramps to rule the elite race of the National Duathlon Championships for the third straight year in Cebu City over the weekend.

Chicano leaned on a strong run leg to hold off Robeno Javier of Standard Insurance with a time of one hour, 56 minutes and 30 seconds in the race held at South Road Properties.

Javier, who also overcame an ankle injury, clocked 1:57:26 while teammate Joey Delos Reyes took the bronze in 1:59:45.

Chicano’s victory earned him a spot in the national duathlon squad. He actually bested a field that included national team stalwarts Jerrick Buhian, Robinson Estevez and Jarwyn Banatao who quit during the race due to cramps.

Meanwhile, national duathlete Mirasol Abad reigned supreme in the women’s division with a time of 2:24:35.

Tipped to give Abad a run for the title, Miscelle Gilbuena’s bid fizzled out after she encountered bike problems early on. The Standard Insurance racer settled for second place in 2:30:18 followed by Cebu’s Elona Louise Villacin in at 2:43:43.

Omega Pro Tri of Tonyson Lee, Chester Go, Jack Jakosalem and Lorna Amor ruled the team event in 8:12:22.   Cedelf P. Tupas

Standard distance age-group winners:  Robinette Uy (18-24), Joland Olmilla (20-24), Julius Delos Reyes (25-29), Loren Codera (30-34),Ritchie Ian Solana (35-39), Boots Tanghal (40-44), June Marq Ocania (female 40-over), Michael Eric Cortes (45-49), Carlos Macasarte (50-over); Sprint distance: Jelsie Sabado (Elite), Chobie Duenas (junior Elite), Wow Capangpangan, Edgardo Pedregosa (20-over); Mini sprint: Lauren Justine Plaza, Brent Valelo.