BY KRISTEL SATUMBAGA
Stuck in isolation due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, multi-titled Nikko Huelgas found a way to train with fellow triathletes at home.
The Southeast Asian Games gold medalist and his business partners at Pedale Cycling recently organized an indoor cycling tournament as part of their sports encouragement and awareness program during quarantine.
The tournament was held over the last three Saturdays with participants using the Zwift virtual cycling app that allows users to connect with their bike trainers. The power output connects and registers on the app so the avatar on the computer screen pedals as fast as the user.
“We want to encourage bike enthusiasts to still enjoy the beauty of indoor training especially during Enhanced Community Quarantine,” Huelgas said. “We want to keep the positive thoughts.”
Participants race for 28 kilometers every week with the Top 3 fastest cyclists getting Pedale merchandise.
“I’m a huge believer of indoor cycling because of the time-effective workout it gives rather than biking out there in Manila,” Huelgas said.
He said it also keeps fellow triathletes like him to keep in shape during quarantine since most of their trainings are done outdoors.
Apart from indoor cycling, Huelgas said he is coping with the isolation by venturing into business with Pedale Cycling as their PR and marketing guy, applying to become a Philippine Air Force reservist, producing online workout videos for his sponsors and assisting in the military’s mobile kitchen program.
He also learned to make homemade ice cream and deli sandwiches.
“I’m making the most out of my stay at home with my family,” said Huelgas.
“Because most of us are away from our families during the season, I took this as a way to appreciate what I’ve been missing when I’m always away from home. I am now closer to my family,” he said.
