Cebu Challenge m’bike race today

CEBU, Philippines - After being hailed as Cebu’s road racer king, John Rene Mier is out to prove his worth this time in Cebu Challenge Mountainbike One Day Road Race today from Talisay City to Tuburan and back.

Cebu First District Rep. Eduardo "Eddiegul" R. Gullas will fire the starting gun at the Talisay City Hall, while Tuburan Mayor Democrito Diamante will award the top performers of stage 1.

Although fellow Cebuano Niño Surban is still the country’s fastest mountainbiker, the battle is on the road and not off-road, making Mier the top rider to watch.

Race director Joe Deresas has not yet confirmed Surban’s entry, but if ever the latter decides to compete, it’s going to be a great race cycling race the Cebuano cycling fans should look forward to.

Aside from Mier, the likes of Marvin Tapic and Jaybop Pagnanawon are also expected to spice up the action in the cash-rich event spearheaded by Cebu Sports Hall of Famer David "Kuya Boy" Odilao, Jr.

The battle, however, is not only open to elite riders as it also features the juniors, seniors, executives, fat bikers and women’s open categories.

The event is a first of its kind here in Cebu wherein cyclists competes on road race battle using mountainbike.

The participants will be dealing with a total of 170 kilometers split into two stages.

Aside from the stage winners, the riders will also be going out for the King of the Mountain and Sprint King awards.

A total of P115,000 in cash prize is at stake for the top finishers. The rider who will dominate both stages will receive a cash incentive and a Presidential Cup courtesy of the Cebu Unified Eagles Club through its president Dr. Bert Alvarado. (FREEMAN)