Alberto outguns top riders, rules Ducati Cup

MANILA, Philippines - Former motocross junior champion TJ Alberto flashed top form in wet condition to capture the overall title in the third leg of the Ducati Cup 2014 powered by Bacchus Energy Drink at the Clark International Speedway in Pampanga recently.

The 16-year-old Alberto bested a slew of veteran rivals in the tough 21-man Group 1 field, beating Lawrence Macalinao and Dan Savino to annex his third straight novice crown.

Alberto started second on the grid behind Jussi Hoikka but quickly grabbed the top spot with a near-flawless run to post the fastest laptime of 2:22.674. He completed the five-lap race in 11 minutes and 49.646 seconds.

He beat Hoikka by 17.429 seconds. Hoikka, meanwhile, took his second Open title by beating Vince Mercado and Jordan Gaw.

Meanwhile, the awards rites was held alongside the launching of Ducati’s newest power machine, the 2014 Monster 1200, at the Tipsy Pig Gastropub in Capitol Commons, Bgy. Kapitolyo, Pasig City.

TJ’s father Toti Alberto also checked in third overall to rule the Masters class over John Defensor and Alvin Dee.

Former Rep. Ronald Singson also emerged a double winner when he copped the Celebrity class crown over Bullet Jalosjos then reigned in the Beginners class over Gelo Roa, Jalosjos and fourth placer Redge Burilla.

Miguel Bichara topped the Naked A division over Dax Ayson, Emil Banno and John Kenneth Avendano.

Other winners were Richard Panlilio in the Intermediate class, Gerald Aycardo in the Super Legends and Peter Miguel in the Naked B division.

TJ Alberto also took the Superbikes Novice crown while leading Team Ducati Philippines-Bacchus Energy Drink’s top six finishers in Class A in the Pirelli Cup.