Romero cops overall title in uphill race

MANILA, Philippines - Nikki Romero of Club200-Ducati Philippine team dominated the Sports Bike category to capture the overall championship in the first Jariel’s Peak Uphill Motorcycle Road Race Challenge recently.

With his trusted Ducati Panigale, the former Superbike Rider of the Year negotiated the 18.5 km. time trial race on Marifanta Highway, Quezon Province in 11:05 to reign in what has been billed as the toughest uphill race in the country today.

For his superb riding and rapid pace, Romero also bagged the King of the Mountain award to highlight Club200-Ducati Philippines team’s domination of the event patterned after the hugely popular Pikes Pean Uphill Challenge in the United States and Isle of Men in Europe.

Romero’s victory in the event organized by Adventure Team Philippines (ATP) came on the heels of his four podium finishes in last year’s Petronas Motorsports Superbike and 2013 DucatiSuperbike Cup.

Finishing second was Jay Carrion of Atat Racing Team (11:36) while Czeck Lukas Cegan settled for third (11:47).

Also winning for Club200-Ducati Philippine Team were Miguel Bichara, who topped the Standard Bike Category using a Ducati Monster (12:13) and Hubert Soriano, who ruled the Adventure Bike Category on a Ducati MultiStrada (12:18).

Around 70 racers, including the best racers from various clubs, took part in the event with bikes ranging from 125cc up to 1299cc motorcycle displacements.

The Club200 is a pioneer sports bike club known for its passion for motorcycles. Active in the motorbike community, they ride regularly on weekends and do long trip rides around the country.