CAPAS, Tarlac — National team member John Rambo Chicano topped the men elite category of the first-ever triathlon at the New Clark City on Sunday.
It was a good run for Southeast Asian Games campaigner, who after only leading by only two seconds in swimming, pulled away in biking and running to dominate the NCC Tri Full category, finishing in one hour, 42 minutes and five seconds.
It seems Chicano could go for another round of the 900m swim, 40k bike and 8k run course as he barely needed some time to rest and immediately granted the media an interview.
“Sa ngayon hindi pa fully, tingin ko mga 70 percent or 80 percent pa lang sa goal namin,” said Chicano, the 2017 SEA Games silver medalist. “Hindi pa [nagpi-peak], konti pa. Sa ngayon hindi pa kami nagte-taper, baka next month pa.”
Staying at the New Clark City for a month now has paid off for Chicano as he adapted and familiarized himself with the course.
Nikko Huelgas placed second in 1:44:19 followed by Raymund Torio in 1:49:23.
“Every race I respect it, I give my 100 percent, hindi ko siya sina-side way even if it’s local or international [tournament], mahina or malakas ang kalaban basta all in ako,” said Huelgas, who copped the gold in the 2017 biennial meet.
“Kasi, who knows, knock on wood, baka ito na ‘yung huling laban ko of my life and I want to make sure I give my very best and I hope I get to inspire a lot of Filipino athletes,” he added.
Lauren Plaza, who was the lone participant in the women elite category, crossed the finish line in 2:13:44.
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