Ica Maximo greets new year with a bang first race of the year. First weekend. First place.
CEBU, Philippines - Junior female cyclist Ana Patricia "Ica" Maximo of YKKBikes.com surprised the field by grabbing first place in the Golden Men B category during the inaugural Chigo Criterium road cycling race yesterday in Mandaue City.
The grade 8 student of Sacred Heart School-Hijas de Jesus, riding a Ridley-Token rig, outsprinted veteran Al Geyrozaga in a bunch sprint finish. Both riders completed the 28-kilometer race in one hour, one minute and 31 seconds. Rey Mahinay settled for third place.
The race was cruising at an average speed of 27kph, but with attacks and counter-attacks by different riders, speed can sometimes reach at 37kph.
On the other hand, favorite Rex Gonzales dominated the Golden Men A category followed by Manny Talisay and Haylin Bardaje at second and third, respectively.
"I didn't expect I can win. This is a good start for the year," said the 14-year-old Icamax, a double medallist during the 2013 Philippine National Games (PNG) Junior Track Cycling Championships at the Amoranto Velodrome in Quezon City.
Succeeding stages of the Chigo Cycling series will be held starting this month and series winners will be recognized according to Cebu MultiSport, the event promoter. (PR) (FREEMAN)
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