Wheels of passion: Meet the members of the Fitness First Cycling Team

Manila, Philippines - Bound by their passion for riding on two wheels, desire for outdoor adventures, and ardor for competition, the riders of the Fitness First Cycling Team have propelled the group to be the number one executive cycling team in the country.

Established five years ago, the team is composed of an interesting mix of businessmen, triathletes, and fitness enthusiasts, and has gone on to compete in different cycling leagues here and abroad, including the Bike United and Philippine Cycling League series,  as well as the Tour of Friendship in Thailand.

To be part of the most formidable team of riders in the country requires discipline and sacrifice, but for the riders of FFC, these are made more worthwhile by the camaraderie they have established with fellow cycling enthusiasts and the sense of freedom and excitement they get every time they ride on two wheels.

“The FF Cycling Team has always been an epitome of greatness and it is an honor to be with the legends of executive cycling,” shares member Erwin Navarro. “It always feels great to enjoy the scenery of the great outdoors and join cycling races with a group of strong individuals that together form a formidable cycling team.”

Most members of the team are triathletes who eventually decided to focus on their most favorite part of the triathlon. The others started out as mountain bike riders who later on pursued cycling as a sport. The thrill of competing and winning awards is not the only motivation that pushes them to undergo rigorous training and ride for hours in the most challenging terrains.

“Cycling compels you to live a healthy lifestyle because you manage your weight at optimal levels and you make sure you eat the right food.  One more important thing is that you get to discover something about yourself while pushing the limits of fun and pain,” shares Paolo Defensor.

“When I joined the FF Cycling Team, I got a better understanding of the sport. What started out as a few weekend rides turned into a serious devotion to the sport,” says Jami Ramirez, 24 and the youngest member of the team. 

Finding the perfect balance between their life as a cyclist, as well as their personal and professional lives are only a few of the challenges an FF Cycling Team member faces. But the determination and self-control they learn through their painstaking preparations also push them to be better in other aspects of their lives. For team member Anthony Dee, cycling is a passion that fuels him to be the best he can be on the bike and in life. “Being healthy both in mind and body, I get to do more things in the office and spend quality time with my family.” 

In the past couple of years, the Fitness First Cycling Team has bagged the Team Time Trial Champion both in the PCL Series and Bike United, overall champion in PCL Series 1st, 2nd, and 3rd podium places and many other podium finishes. This year, they are set to compete in the PCL series leagues, Bike United Series, Tour of Matabungkay, Tour of Friendship-Thailand, Mabitac Classic, and the PCL Criterium Series.