Huelgas rules first leg of triathlon series

MANILA, Philippines - Nikko Huelgas bucked cramps and outsprinted Canadian expat David Verlee to rule the first leg of the Speedo National Age Group Triathlon Series 2010 at Dungaree Beach at Subic Bay Freeport in Subic yesterday.

Huelgas, 19, displayed composure and the will to win to get back at Verlee claim the line honors in the event organized by the Triathlon Association of the Philippines (TRAP) in cooperation with Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority and presented by Speedo.

Huelgas gained a spot in the TRAP developmental pool following impressive showings in triathlon events in 2009. This is also his first race in the Olympic distance with the victory avenging his loss to Verlee during the Anvaya Cove Invitational Triathlon held last November.

“I was really hoping to do well and I knew Verlee will be the favored to win so I really tried to keep our distance close,” said Huelgas, a second year student of La Salle who also competes in the UAAP in athletics and swimming events.

Huelgas submitted the best clocking in the 1.5k swim, 40k bike and 10k run event in two hours, 14 minutes, 02 seconds on splits of 23:22, 1:12:04 and 38:36 to also claim the gold medal in the 19-years old category.

Verlee fell short by just 21 seconds with a 2:14:23 clocking but still topped the 40-44 age class.

National duathlete August Benedicto turned in the best time in the bike leg (1:05:43) to finish third in 2:14:36 while topping the 25-29 age class.

Mirasol Abad, also a duathlete, showed her stuff with the best female time at 2:40:37 to claim top honors in the 25-29 age group.

A total of 132 triathletes, majority of which are first timers or fitness enthusiasts, competed in event backed by David’s Salon, Globe Telecom, Sunkist, Vitwater, Asian Centre for Insulation Philippines, Rudy Project and Philippine Sports Commission.

The event also drew a guest entry in Team TBB member Canadian Matt O’Halloran, who has signified his intention to represent the Philippines in major triathlon events, including the London Olympics.

Other age group winners in the male division were Emmanuel Alberto Rodil (2:28:54) in the 20-24; Timothy Joseph Isla (2:35:36) in the 30-34; Abe Tayag (2:22:48) in the 35-39; and Anthony Welsh (2:31:06) in the 45-49.

Raenna Crandourne (3:54:52) and Rosalina Joson (3:19:06) topped the female 30-34 and 40-over. 

Kids aquathlon winners were Jesila Mari Dejuras (9-10) and Aisya Farisha Farid (11-12).

Mini-sprint champions were Allen Santiago and Aina Farhana Farid in the 13 to 15 boys and girls class and Angelo Joson and Azenith Enriquez in the adult class.