Clinton Gualiza takes spotlight in 22nd Ornopia Motocross Cup

CEBU, Philippines — Cebu’s pride Clinton Gualiza led the winners’ circle with a double championship in the 22nd Lou Ornopia Motocross Cup recently at the sprawling MS Motosuit Motorsports Park in Barangay Calambua, San Remigio town north of Cebu.

Gualiza, from Barangay Taptap, Cebu City, showed his mastery riding through a muddy and treacherous racetrack to reign supreme in both the intermediate and expert open categories.

Gelo Leonardo, from Ozamiz City and grandson of the owners of Medina College, took the second place honors in the intermediate category and finished third in the expert division.

The other out-of-town entry who shined brightly was Jed Luna from Surigao del Sur who wound up third in the open enduro.

Gyle Aguilar stole part of the show after lording it over the novice open. Inting Casinay placed second but had another reasons to celebrate as he ruled the beginners open that saw John Allen Coberos and Carlos Russell taking the second and third spors, respectively.

Julie Mae Cablao also made her presence felt after snaring the ladies crown. Corin Piano came in second followed by Shane Querol.

Ayen Ledesma, on the other hand, pocketed two titles via the executives 40-44 and 50-above age groups. Baden Ong topped the executives 45-49 class.

The rest of the top winners were Boboy Geraldo (veterans), Matt Velasquez (50cc), Carl Villahermosa (65cc), and Dave Seblos (elite).

Meanwhile, MS Motosuit big boss Lou Ornopia was so overwhelmed by the success of his first race since the outbreak of the global pandemic two years ago that it encouraged him to bring back his motocross series this year.

“Sa tinuoray lang, naguol gyud ko nga giulan ang atong lumba apan sa gipakita sa bul-og sa mga tawo, dako kaayo ang akong kalipay kay atong napamatud-an ang walay paglubad nga suporta sa atong kaigsoonan nga mga riders ug dumodoong,” Ornopia said.

“Kani nagpataas sa kahigayonan nga mopadayon kita sa atong motocross series karong tuiga labi na og buligan ta sa kahitas-an nga dili na mohamok og balik ang coronavirus nga maoy nakapatay sa kinabuhi ug kapanginabuhian sa atong mga katawhan,” the multi-awarded sportsman continued.

The 22nd Ornopia Cup was made possible through the all-out support of Andy Uy, Bantay Construction of Myrna Rodrigo, Kapenarra of Zenaida Cataquez, Zic Oil, N Style of Nico Ornopia, JSUPT Felipe Montejo, SNR MBJ Motomaze Shop, F&FO Motor Parts of Fiel Ornopia, Dinah RBS Construction and Supply of Rosalina Sobrio, RMO Motor Parts of Boy Ornopia, NF Enterprises of Noli Ornopia, Olilab Oil, Inc., Hon. Annalyn Flores Tuling, and LMO Motor Parts and General Merchandise. — EBV