MANILA, Philippines - Coming from his Under-23 Elite seventh place finish in the recently held Asian Triathlon Championships in Japan, national team member Nikko Huelgas proved to be unbeatable from start to finish as he captured the Elite male crown in the TRI United opening leg at Playa Laiya, San Juan, Batangas.
Huelgas won the 1K swim - 30K bike - 7.5K run in one hour, 30 minutes. Meanwhile, a close battle for second place in the Elite Male was waged between 2011 PNG junior champion Kevin Eijansantos (1:39) and the ageless coach George Vilog (1:41) in the event sponsored by Unilab Active Health, Alaxan FR, Enervon HP, I-ON Energy Drink, Landco, Bikeking, Pocari Sweat, Tomex, Crystal Clear, Orbea, Runner’s World, Men’s Health, Women’s Health, Weekend Warrior and SwimBikeRun.ph
A huge field of 250 participants were led by Unilab president and CEO Clinton Hess (2:36:20), and fellow executives Alex Panlilio (2:23:45) and Lester Castillo (2:15:46).
“I had a good swim today but I need to do better on the bike and run,” Huelgas said in relation to his preparation for next month’s K-Swiss ITU Subic Bay International Triathlon.
The top three in the team competition (based on aggregate time of 10 fastest members) were PLDT Bikeking, Unilab Active Health and T12 Camelbak Tri Team.
Other winners: Jaime Navarro and Kim Kilgroe (18-24), Martin Carandang and Jayline Balatibat (25-29), Andy Leuterio and Alessandra Gonzalez (30-34), Dan Brown and Ani Brown (35-39), Rayzon Galdonez and Berns Tan (40-44), RJ Lorenzo (45-49), Celma Hitalia (45-above), Rune Stroem (50-54), and Artemio Engracia Jr. (55-above).