125 athletes vie in cycling race

HILONGOS, LEYTE, Philippines — One-hundred-twenty-five cyclists from different places in Regions 7 (Central Visayas) and 8 (Eastern Visayas) competed in the recently concluded cycling road race in Hilongos town of Leyte.

Men and women of various age levels, as well as teenagers, from as far as Cebu and Bohol, vied in the endurance and speed competition, under four categories (39 years old and below, 40-49 years old, 50 years old and above, and open), in either a road racer bike or a mountain bike class.

Medals and cash prizes were conferred to the winners, right after the race, during the awarding ceremony administered by Vice Mayor Manuel Gabisan.

The 50 years old and above category, in both the road racer and mountain bike classes, turned out to be the most applauded.

In the road racer class, Manuel Gopo of Matalom town of Leyte was the champion, followed by Arman Butad of Hilongos at second, and Ramil Chu of Ormoc City at third. In the mountain bike class, Frank Macayan of Isabel, Leyte was the champion, with Absalon Cubico of Ormoc City and Boyet Suarez of Hilongos taking the second and third spots, respectively.

The bicycling race event was part of the town fiesta celebration on December 28.  (FREEMAN)