Exciting ASEAN bikefest gets underway in Danao City

CEBU, Philippines - The opening round of the 2015 ASEAN Mountainbike unravels today at the dreaded Manlayag-Patag race course in Danao City. Over a hundred riders from eight countries are expected to see action in the two-day event sanctioned by UCI (International Cycling Union).

The bulk of contenders are from host Philippines, while the rest come from China, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Singapore, Bhutan, Malaysia, and Timor Leste.

As far as UCI Commissaire and Danao City Administrator Oscar "Boying" Rodriguez, Jr. could remember, this is the first time that a rider from Bhutan is joining a mountainbike event in Asia.

Though Danao played host to the inaugural edition last year, the riders will be dealing with different racetrack this time, a more difficult one.                          "Sa start pa lang, mahirap na. They have added a lot of difficult parts. Sobra siyang challenging talaga," said Phl team member Ariana Dormitorio, who will be debuting in the women's elite.

Malaysia's Natasha Soon, who will be racing in both downhill and cross-country, is expected to be one of Dormitorio's toughest opponents.

"I'm really excited to be back and finally race. I'm feeling good and my target is to be in the podium. I have to beat my opponents," said Soon.

Hong Kong's coach Ho Lun Mak is also looking forward to a good showing from his wards in both events.

"This is our first time here.This is a good chance for our riders to test their skills," said Mak.

Cebuano riders Niño Surban and John Rene Mier are expected to lead the country's charge in the men's cross-country elite action, while John Derrick  Farr and Joey Barba will spearhead Phl's attack in the downhill side.

A bunch of junior cyclists from all over the country and abroad are also set to perform their best in the event as it is also part of the World Junior Series aside from being a UCI class 3 race.

"There are six races in Europe and two in Asia that is part of World Junior Mountainbike Series. In Asia it's Danao and Malaysia. This is the first time for Philippines to be part of the World Series," said UCI Commissaire Beatrice Lajawa.

Today's action features the cross-country masters A, B, C and D plus the fun race.

The downhill event will have its seeding run today. It will determine the riders' kick-off position for the final run tomorrow.

The rest of the cross-country action are the women's juniors, women's elite, men's junior and the elite.

The junior division is open to riders 17 to 18 years old, while the men's master A is open to riders 30 to 34, B (35-39), D (40-44) and  E (45-above).

Aside from the top honors and cash prizes for this leg, an overall champion will also be declared at the end of the four-leg ASEAN Mountainbike Cup for each category except for the masters D.

As for this leg, a total of P269,640 in cash prize is at stake, P200,000 worth of Rudy Project downhill helmets and sunglasses, and another P200,000 worth of Specialized and Fox products through Dan Ramirez.

Presented by Air21, the kick-off leg is supported by the city government of Danao headed by Mayor Ramon "Nito" Durano III and Vice Mayor Red Durano, councilor Jed Almendras,  5th District Congressman Ace Durano, Governor Junjun Davide and Vice Governor Agnes Magpale, Provincial Board members Mig Magpale, Jude Sybico, and Iy Meca, Greenhills Farms, Aduna, AppleOne Banawa Heights, Specialized and Rudy Project. (FREEMAN)