A race to remember

Madridejos, Bantayan Island — ‘Twas a race to remember for the Lawisanons.

Drawing close to 200 entries from all levels of cyclists across the paradise island of Bantayan, the historic LGU Madridejos Fiesta Mountain Bike and Road Bike Challenge staged last Tuesday, December 7, was a great success.

With almost P100,000 in cash prize and in kind laced with an assortment of bike items and accessories topped by a brand new mountain bike being given away, it could lay claim as the biggest and grandest cycling event in the annals of Madridejos sports.

“Holding such kind of event  entails a lot of challenges,” said Romel “Bong-Bong” Suico, vice president of the organizing Madridejos Cycling Club (MACYC).

“But thankfully, we pulled it off. We are able to deliver what was expected of us - a safe, enjoyable and well organized race that put smile on the faces of our bikers here. That somehow gives us a sense of fulfillment and happiness,” Suico continued.

The grueling race covers a total of 25.8 kilometers for the open division contenders in both the MTB and road bike competition.

The other categories being featured were the men’s 17 Under, 36-49, and 50-above age groups, and women’s open in MTB and the 15 Under in road bike.

The top three finishers in the MTB men’s open were Asher Bautista, Rossel Frias and Marlou Nicco Fua while Christian Philip Castillo emerged as champion in the road bike’s men’s open, with Sam Albaciete and Nikko Aronales taking the second and third place honors, respectively.

In the U15 road bike, Christopher James Welch bagged the coveted title. Rodward Orbeta came in second followed by Vince Lawrence Tibay.

The rest of the top three performers in the MTB showdown were Jay Ann Pasicaran, Vinies Villacarlos and Lyn Bataycan (women’s open), Victo Villaceran, Isidro Moradas  and Alberto Castillo/Robert Milan  (50-above), Keyon Bray Stanley Despi, Rio Dhine Cordova and John Aul Cena (Under 17), John Lynch Deo, Asher Bautista, and Franch Charsen Descartin ( 18-32), and Joseph Descartin, Rolan Negre, and Frederick Tiongzon (33-49).

In the end, no one else other than Madridejos Mayor Salvador “Sally” De la Fuente could be much prouder for the success of the breakthrough spectacle that is among the main highlights of the annual fiesta celebration of the Lawisanons in honor of their beloved patroness Immaculate Conception.

“I am truly proud and happy on the success of our event most especially that we have encouraged our youth not only from Madridejos but also from the entire Bantayan Island through this sporting endeavor,” Mayor De La Fuente said.

“This kind of physical activity that helps nurture a healthy lifestyle and well-being of our people is what we need at this time of pandemic. We’re looking forward to make this a yearly undertaking,” Mayor De La Fuente assured.