Indons rule cross-country competition

CEBU, Philippines - Visiting Indonesian riders Kusmawadi Yazid and Fanani Zaenal reigned supreme in the elite division of the 2016 Asian Mountainbike Invitational and Philippine National Championships cross-country competition yesterday at the Danasan Eco-Adventure Park in Danao City.

Yazid snatched the women’s elite crown after finishing the race in one hour, 22 minutes and 56 seconds.

Yazid had a tough in the early stretch against Pinay top bet Ariana Thea Dormitorio but the latter failed to finish the race after she lost her balance and crashed along the route.

Dormitorio suffered some injuries and was taken off on stretcher.

Another Indon female rider in Nunung Sekarningsih settled for the silver medal in 1:28:39 clocking, while Melissa Jane Jaroda landed at third.

In the men’s side, Zaenal emerged as the fastest with his 1:17:31, while his countryman Bandi Sugito came out second in 1:18:18 as Mindanao’s Cesar Lapaza placed third in 1:18:50.

Lapaza also has another reason to celebrate as he was crowned as the Philippine men’s champion, while Jaroda claimed the women’s title.

Meanwhile, Cebuano John Mier failed to meet expectations as he only managed to get to 11th place.

The rest of the winners were Jezam Baldomar (masters A), Angelito Glinogo (masters B), Nicho Lumay (men’s open) and Archie Duran (men’s juniors).

The downhill race, on the other hand, will take place today. (FREEMAN)