Huelgas, Stroh top Tri United 2

MANILA, Philippines - National triathlon record holder Nikko Huelgas finally showed his true form even as German lady triathlete Anna Stroh pulled off an upset in the female category to highlight yesterday’s Tri United 2 triathlon held at the world-class facilities of Playa Laiya in San Juan, Batangas.

Huelgas erased doubts on his frontrunning position in the male elite with an impressive wire-to-wire victory in the race jointly organized by Bike King and Unilab Active Health and held at the punishing distance of 2K swim, 60K bike and 15K run.

Huelgas, bronze medal winner in the National Games last May, clocked two hours, 57 minutes, 21 seconds as he kept at bay fast-rising national team member Jonard Saim for his first victory this year.

Saim, from General Santos City, came in second (2:58:18) followed by Ben Rana (3:05:58), August Benedicto (3:07:32) and Philip Atento (3:19:16).

The race is sponsored by Unilab Active Health in cooperation with the Association of Laiya Resorts Owners (ALRO)  and supported by San Juan Mayor Rodolfo Manalo, Landco, Enervon Active, Enervon HP, ION Energy Drink, Hydrite, Aboitiz Power, 3rd District of Bohol, Pocari Sweat, Timex, Crystal Clear Purified Water and Orbea.

Stroh overcame a slow start in the swim and bike legs with a big windup in the run phase to pull off the victory over early pacesetters and former national champions Sandra Araullo-Gonzales and Ani de Leon Brown.

Stroh, now based in Shanghai, China, timed 3:19:58. Araullo-Gonzales clocked 3:30:16 and De Leon-Brown 3:31:02.

Over 650 triathletes saw action in the event, which also featured the sprint distance (750m swim, 20K bike and 5K run) with Youth Olympic Games candidates leading the winners.

Unilab Active Health head Alex Panilio, Landco Pacific Corp. vice-president for sales and marketing Albert Villa and San Juan Mayor Manalo graced the awards rites.

Bike King executive Raul Cuevas said he was looking at the prospect of expanding participation and improving the format  next year.