Pineda bags expert crown

CEBU, Philippines - Vaunted Davaoeño rider Kimboy Pineda together with Siegfred Ornopia and his equally-daring kids spearheaded the list of top winners during the Keiz BJ and Phoenix Cyclomax Titan Invitational Motocross last Sunday at a specially-designed racetrack in Tuburan, Cebu.

Pineda revved up his way to a golden finish in the expert division. Cebu's homegrown talent and crowd-darling John Flores copped the second place honors followed by Fil-Am dareveil Scott Remi.

Siegfred Ornopia, the race organizer, stole part of the show after he outlasted the likes of Russel Gungob and Jun Enriquez to clinch the executive A title. It was no less a double celebration for Ornpia, who ruled the Asian veteran category during the FIM Asian Motocross Championships last week in Puerto Princesa, Palawan.

Siegfred's promising kids Kizer and Brylle Ornopia also stamped their respective classes.

Kizer, the 65 cc champion in the Palawan event, outpaced his brother Ken-Ken to dominate the same category in Tuburan, while Brylle lorded it over in the mini 85 cc, edging out the equally-talented Gyle Aguilar and JP Cuesta for the covered crown.

In the local enduro, Clinton Gualiza took home the champion's trophy as John Hisoler and Alex Abalo occupied the next two sports, while Russell Gungob ruled the executive B followed by Amay Amon and Jun Enriquez. 

Denmark Supatan also has something to be happy about after he reigned supreme in the beginners open production. Erjhun Codiñeda wound up second, while Brylle Ornopia ended up third despite competing with his bike having a broken tail pipe.

Jesse Pineda was as happy as his big brother Kimboy after he bagged the intermediate crown. Cebu's pride John Flores could make it only to second place as Scott Remi grabbed another third place honors.

In a fun-filled side event, Butch Pangagsa Flores came out the fastest in the showdown among "wanggits" followed by American Ray Bosh, Byoping Chua, Rowell Maraño and Reynante Tigue. The 'wanggits' division is for veteran riders who are already senior citizens.

When asked about the meaning of 'wanggits' during the awarding ceremony, Bosh, an American national, drew laughters from the large throng of spectators led by no less than Tuburan Mayor Democrito "Aljun" Mendoza when he replied that "it means two years from now they already go to heaven".

On the other hand, the top five finishers in the 'habal-habal (local motorcycle for hire)' category were Willie Borces, Jappet Pestrano, and Clinto Gualiza.

The one-day event was supervised by race consultant Ellen Ornopia and technical committee chief Mark Paunel assisted by Orting Lauranilla, Romeo Colina, Roland Rosellosa, Diomedel Boto, Titing Lumapas, and Tilaok Misa.

It was made possible through the support of Tuburan Mayor Aljun Diamante, Brgy. Capt. Eilfredo Diamante, Danilo diamante, Jordan 'Celebrity' Herrera, Jeoffrey Viñalon of Phoenix Cyclomax Titan, Joseph Pepito, Edmund Pingkian of Haojue Philippines and RMO Motor. (FREEMAN)