SURBAN WINS PAGHANDUM NI MAGSAYSAY BIKEFEST

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Published in The Freeman Newspaper on March 21, 2011 Monday issue
by Caecent No-ot Magsumbol, Staff Writer
Manny Villaruel, Sports Editor

CEBU, Philippines - Niño Surban showed mastery at the trails of Mt. Manunggal enroute to another victory in the Paghandum Ni Magsaysay Mountainbike Challenge yesterday.

Surban gave some neat lessons to fellow mountainbikers and left them behind to claim the expert open class’ top position.

Ronie Cabaluna settled for second, while Randy Carbonera ended up third.

Nilo Barbalose, who is from the nearby Toledo City, dominated the masters division with Melencio Java and Joney Tibay occupying the next two spots.

Ramon Espinosa topped the veterans division over Jonas Ponsica, while Nick Malon lorded it over in the executive division over Raymund Naquines and Orville Tecson.

The beginners class had Gian Carlo Robles on top with Delfin Delfin finishing second and Jezam Baldomer third.

Paref-Springdale’s Luis Miguel “Igi” Maximo, who is one of the fast-rising cyclists in the country today, landed 17th out of the 51 entries in the beginners’ class.

"I'm still having a hard time adjusting from road bike to mountain bike racing. The bike handling, cadence, and gearing are different. I need more training, more exposure on MTB. But I'm having fun, especially when we entered the dirt roads going to Mt. Manunggal. It's so cool but dangerous because the cliff is just beside you. The other cyclists were strong and good in bike handling. I want to be like them too. I promise I'll be back next year and improve my 17th place finish," said 15-year old Igi Maximo. – (FREEMAN)