Chicano, Banzon lead triathlon winners

MANILA, Philippines — Reigning Southeast Asian Games gold medalist John Chicano of Team Apollo Petroleum Jelly and Lyllian Grace Banzon of Team Sante Barley posted the best finishes among all standard distance competitors in the recent Apollo Petroleum Jelly TRI 2020 event at the Subic Bay Freeport.

Chicano was untouchable among the men, finishing the standard distance 1.5km swim, 40km bike and 10km run in two hours, 11 minutes and 42 seconds for the 25-29 age-group title. Ronald Molit (35-39 champion) was next in 2:23:47 while 18-24 champion Joshua Alexander Ramos was the third fastest at 2:25:00.

Among the ladies, Banzon (30-34 champion) and Ines Santiago (35-39 champion) finished less than a minute apart, timing 2:41:08 and 2:41:59, respectively. Amanda Carpo came in next at 2:48:16, winning the 45-49 title.

In the team competition, Team Sante Barley emerged as champion with the best time of 12:44:16. For the relay categories, the champions were Maxi Atletika-Zalora 2 (All-Female), Maxi Atletika Multisports D (All-Male), and Fitness First-alice (Mixed).

Chicano described the race course as well-crafted.

While the persistent wind prevented the heat from wearing him down, the SEA Games gold medalist still found the bike leg a nice challenge. For her part, Sprint Distance 15-19 champion Lauren Plaza confirmed a similar experience regarding the wind’s effect on the bike leg.