Chicano outshines Huelgas in duathlon

ILOILO – John Chicano stole the thunder from reigning Southeast Asian Games triathlon king Nikko Huelgas, making his big move in the run phases to romp off with the male elite plum of the National Duathlon Trials-Race for the Iloilo River on a rainy Saturday here.

National mainstay Chicano covered the 8K run, 40K bike and 6K run race from Ungka town to the Iloilo Esplanade in one hour, 58 minutes, 19 seconds to win by nearly a minute over Huelgas, who checked in at 1:59.06. Mark Hosana took the bronze in 2:00.53.

The 23-year-old Chicano said he benefited from the organizers’ decision to change the race from triathlon to duathlon due to bad weather.

“I was sick with cough and cold upon arriving here so when they made it a duathlon race, I felt I had a better chance to win because I would have struggled if there was a swim,” said Chicano, who owns the national mark in triathlon’s standard distance.

Chicano established a 45-second gap against Huelgas in the first run but the SEAG champ and Hosana caught up in the bike phase. Chicano, however, regained the pace in the final run and never let go.

“It was a good race, it was fulfilling,” said Huelgas, adding the single-stretch route of the culmination run proved as an extra challenge. “It’s been a long time since I raced in that kind of route, I’m more used to running in loops. But it’s okay, it would help me prepare for future races.”

SEAG women’s triathlon silver medalist Kim Mangrobang reigned in the female elite.

“I did my best even if there’s not much opposition,” said lone entry Mangrobang, who clocked 2:16:46.

SEAG triathlon queen Claire Adorna dominated the female sprint category while racing with a tendon tear. She breasted the tape at 1:28:09, winning with plenty to spare over Ma-an Maroma (2:15:19) and Aiza Jean Diamante (2:16:11).

“I’m still bothered by my injury, that’s why I’m not joining major choices this year,” said Adorna, who is trying non-surgical treatment on her left foot first before considering surgery.

Phl junior elite team member Edward Macalalad played true to form and captured the male sprint crown in 1:12:21 at the expense of Julus Constantino (1:19:02) and Phl coach George Vilog (1:20:30).

The winners received their medals from Philippine Sports Commision chairman Richie Garcia, Mayor Jed Patrick Mabilog, Vice Mayor Jose Espinosa III, and Triathlon Association of the Philippines president Tom Carrasco.

A total of 61 competitors took part in the race, which was held in line with the advocacy of improving and protecting the Iloilo River.

The event is a joint project of the Office of the Senate President, the PSC, and the local government of Iloilo City.