Chicano’s SEA Games preparation off to rousing start

John Leerams Chicano is fast shaping up as the toughest obstacle to the bid of Nikko Huelgas for a third straight triathlon gold medal in the Southeast Asian Games late this year.

Chicano, the 2017 SEA Games silver medalist, showed that he’s the biggest thorn on Huelgas’ side after topping the opener of the 2019 National Age-Group Triathlon series held recently at Subic Bay Freeport.

“It was a nice race and I’m really looking forward to be in peak form in time for the SEA Games,” said Chicano, who also ruled the Tri-Factor International Triathlon in China, late last year.

Chicano, a member of the Go For Gold team like Huelgas, cut loose in the final two kilometers of the run sequence en route to the men’s elite gold meal with a time of one hour, 58 minutes and 47 seconds.

Fer Casares, seeking a spot in the national squad, placed second in 2:00:01 while Siklab Sports Youth awardee Kim Remolino of Cebu was third in 2:02:12.

“Rambo (Chicano) is an inspiration to all our young triathletes as we aim to produce more champions,” said Go For Gold godfather Jeremy Go.