Top riders brace for Asian motocross

MANILA, Philippines --Top Filipino riders are gearing up against the foreign challenge in the 2009 Motocross Masters of Asia - Puerto Princesa International Motocross Grand Prix set Feb. 27-March 1 at the Sta. Monica International Racetrack in Puerto Princesa City.

Newly crowned 2008 Rider of the Year Kenneth San Andres will banner the country’s campaign to regain the overall Asian crown last won when the event kicked off in 2004.

The past three years saw Thailand dominating the event with Arnon Theplib winning back-to-back in 2006 and 2007 and Dede Mulyadi of Indonesia clinching the crown last year.

Moreover, Mongolia has vastly improved the past two years and has produced Erdenbileg Khaliunbold as the 2008 Overall Asian Motocross Rider of the Year of this event sponsored by the Puerto Princesa, Philippine Charity Sweepstakes, Department of Tourism, CTI Knee Brace, Oakley, Negros Navigation, and HJC helmets.

“We’re very happy with how the other countries have improved and that elevated the quality of competition in this series. It’s a big challenge for the Philippine team – that’s why our riders are really preparing hard,” said FIM-UAM vice president Stephan “Macky” Carapiet.

Puerto Princesa City Mayor Edward Hagedorn, who’s personally supervising the preparations, said the event would boost the city’s bid to make the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.

The UK crew of Star Sports and ESPN is coming over to beam the event to over 600 million viewers worldwide and do a feature on the Underground River, the country’s lone hope into the list of world wonders.

The foreign delegates will also enjoy the festive atmosphere as Puerto Princesa will celebrate its Foundation Day, more known as the Balayong Festival, on March 4, and hold the 4 x 4 Off Road Challenge in Puerto Princesa.

“The Motocross Masters of Asia will be a huge push to the country’s bid into the Seven Wonders of the World. If we make it there, it will be a big booster to the country’s tourism industry,” said Hagedorn.

“We’ll really see to it that these foreign visitors enjoy the warm hospitality and the scenic nature spots of Puerto Princesa,” said Hagedorn.

Up for grabs is the Mayor Edward Hagedorn Cup – a sterling silver trophy coming from the city’s chief executive and his constituents.