MAXIMO BAGS THIRD PLACE IN POWERADE DUATHLON

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Published in Sun Star Newspaper on August 24, 2012 Friday issue
by Iste S. Leopoldo, Staff Writer
Mike Limpag, Sports Editor

CEBU’s Luis Miguel “Igimax” Maximo secured the third over-all spot of the men’s 16-19 age group of the Powerade Philippine Duathlon Series last Aug. 19 in Sta. Rosa, Laguna.

The 17-year-old Maximo completed a grueling seven-kilometer run, 35-km bike and 3.5-km run in one hour and 56 minutes.

“It’s not easy to compete for a series event because you lose points if you miss a leg,” said Maximo, a PHL junior national cycling team member.

Due to the demands of travel and logistical support, Maximo missed the first leg but was able to make it up in the next two legs.

“I hope to complete the fourth and final leg this October and maintain my standing. It’s tough but I always look forward to represent Cebu in a national race,” said two-time SAC awardee Maximo.

The race attracted about 500 duathletes and was considered the biggest national duathlon competition in the country.

“My run has improved since I trained with coach Mick Perez. But it is still in the bike leg that I am able can catch up with the others,” said Maximo, who was the Asian Junior Cycling PHL representative before taking up duathlon just last May.

Published in the Sun.Star Cebu newspaper on August 24, 2012.

SMART GOES FULL BLAST IN SUPPORT OF PINOY RIDERS

PhilStar.  In March, Smart also sponsored the national team competing for the Asian Cycling Championships and Asian Youth Championships both held in Malaysia.

“CYCLING is one of the sports we Filipinos can compete and excel,” said Epok Quimpo, Smart Sports Manager. “As we’ve seen in major Tours, Filipino cyclists are world-class bikers. With the qualification of Danny as the only Asian in the Olympics BMX event, this is a testament that we Filipinos can compete with the world. We hope Danny’s Olympic journey will inspire more Filipino kids to follow in his footsteps,” Quimpo added... Read more

MAXIMO FINISHES 10TH IN ASIAN JUNIOR CYCLING

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Published in Cebu Daily Newspaper on Feb. 29, 2012 Wednesday issue
by Jonas Panerio, Correspondent
Rick Gabuya, Sports Editor

LUIS MIGUEL "Igi" Maximo came away with precious experience and exposure as he competed in the 2012 Asian Junior Cycling Championships and finished in 10th place in his age group during the 115-kilometer road race in Malaysia.

Maximo, the youngest member of the Philippine team at 16, finished in 18th place amongst all the Asean riders and 45th place overall.

The race was won by Japanese Hiroki Nishimura and Yuri Kobashi, respectively, with Chun Wing Leung of Hong Kong collecting the bronze medal.

The trio had a photo finish with nearly identical times of 2 hours 45 mins and 44 seconds, clocking an average speed of 41.71kph in a 115.2km distance of 9 laps around the city roads of Putra Jaya, Malaysia.

"I was hoping for a top ten finish but was not really that confident because I am still young for the event and still lack the international exposure.  I also did not have enough time to practice in Manila because I don't want to miss my studies here in Cebu," said the graduating student of PAREF Springdale School./CORRESPONDENT JONAS PANERIO.

YOUNG BISDAK SURVIVES ASIAN CYCLING CHALLENGE IN MALAYSIA

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Published in The Freeman Newspaper on Feb. 29, 2012 Wednesday issue

Manny Villaruel, Sports Editor

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Cebuano junior cyclist Luis Miguel "Igimax" Maximo, the youngest member of the Philippine Team, survived the gruelling and fast 115km Road Race of the 2012 Asian Junior Cycling Championships last Feb. 16, 2011 in Malaysia, finishing at 10th place in his age-group (1995), 18th place among the the ASEAN riders and 45th overall.

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The pace of the race was so fast and furious it resulted in five riders from Korea, Qatar, Singapore and Malaysia not being able to finish the race.

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The 1995 age-group of riders will still be eligible for the next 2013 Asian Cycling edition and Igimax, having placed 10th, looks promising considering that he has practically one year to prepare. "I have learned my lesson. I will be much ready next year," said the two-time awardee by the Sportswriters Association of Cebu (SAC) and the only Cebuano in the ACC.

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The race was clearly dominated by Japan, grabbing the gold and silver medals courtesy of Hiroki Nishimura and Yuri Kobashi, respectively.  Chun Wing Leung of Hong Kong took the bronze medal. It was a bunch sprint photo finish by the trio with an identical time of 2 hours 45 mins 44 secs., clocking an average speed of 41.71 kph in a 115.2 km distance of 9 laps around the city roads of Putra Jaya, Malaysia.

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The Crash

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Igimax was near the front of the peloton for the first six laps until he was caught in a crash in front of him, sending riders and the bikes up in the air. Fortunately, and using his trusted YKKBike, he avoided the crash but was slowed down by the pile-up of riders and bikes on the road and he not able to catch up with the main group. He eventually soloed to the finish line.

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"I was a bit unlucky with that scary incident. But I am still thankful to Sto. Nino I was not part of that crash," said the seven-time Athlete of the Year awardee of PAREF Springdale School who went to the Sto. Nino Church a day before his trip abroad.

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"Of course I was hoping for a top ten finish but was not really that confident because I am still young for the event and still lacks the international exposure. I also did not have enough time to practice in Manila because I dont want to miss my studies here in Cebu" shared Igimax.

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Racing equipment

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Igimax was using the YKKBike fitted with Ridley, Campagnolo, Token, Lazer, FSA, Vision, Fizik, Santini, Carnac and Kenda racing components provided by Cebu-based YKK Trading. The trip was organized by UCI-recognized PhilCycling under Pres. Bambol Tolentino and supported by PSC, POC and Smart Communications. Cycling official Jojo Villa and coach Cesar Lobramonte accompanied the team in its trip abroad.

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"We appreciate the Junior Development efforts of Mayor Tolentino and the support of PSC, POC and Smart, without which this opportunity to gauge your skill and talent against the best of Asian cycling would not have been possbile", said TEAM maX1mo.

MAXIMO FALTERS

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Published in Sun Star Newspaper on Feb. 29, 2012 Wednesday issue
by Iste S. Leopoldo, Staff Writer
Mike Limpag, Sports Editor

CEBUANO rising junior cyclist Luis Miguel “Igimax” Maximo made a decent finish in the grueling 115km Road Race of the 2012 Asian Junior Cycling Championships last Feb. 16 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Maximo finished 10th in his 1995 Age Group, 18th place among the the ASEAN riders and
45th over-all.

“The pace of the race was so fast and furious it resulted in five riders from Korea, Qatar, Singapore and Malaysia not being able to finish the race,” said Maximo’s father Jonathan, in an e-mail to Sun.Star Cebu.

Jonathan added that the 1995 Age Group of riders will still be eligible for the next 2013 Asian Cycling edition and his son might still join.

“I have learned my lesson. I will be more ready next year,” said Igi, who is the only Cebuano in the Asian Cycling Championships.

Published in the Sun.Star Cebu newspaper on February 29, 2012.

ASIAN JUNIOR CYCLING CHAMPIONSHIPS 2012

19th ASIAN JUNIOR CYCLING CHAMPIONSHIPS
Organized by Asian Cycling Confederation
Malaysian National Cycling Federation

February 6-18, 2012

Kuala Lumpur & Putra Jaya, Malaysia

ROAD RACE 115KM

Luis Miguel "Igimax" Maximo of Cebu-YKKBikes, 16yo and 4th year high school student of PAREF Springdale School.  A member of the Philippine Junior Cycling Team that participated in the 2012 Asian Junior Cycling Championships.

The 16yo lad (left) up against older and bigger racers from Hong Kong (red), Kazakhstan (blue), Iraq (white/red), Japan (white/red) and other Asian countries. 

The federal city of Putra Jaya hosted the massed start road race events.

With extensive support from the Malaysian government, the roads were completely closed to vehicular traffic.

The riders about to be released for the gruelling 115km road race.

CEBUANO CYCLING STAR MAXIMO TO VIE IN ASIAN CYCLING CHAMPIONSHIP

Published in Cebu Daily News on Feb. 9, 2012 Thursday issue
by Jonas Panerio, Correspondent
Rick Gabuya, Sports Editor

CEBUANO junior cyclist Luis Miguel "Igi" Maximo will get his first shot at international glory when he competes in the Asian Cycling Championships which starts this weekend in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Maximo, a student of PAREF Springdale was selected to be part of the Philippine national squad that was organized and formed by PhilCycling under the mentorship of Tagaytay City Mayor, Bambol Tolentino.

Maximo, who is being backed by YKK Bikes, will be racing in the road race event on Feb. 16.  He will be leaving this Saturday to study and assess the race conditions over in Malaysia.  The feat is an impressive one for the 16-year old as he is the youngest member of the squad and the only cyclist from the Visayas and Mindanao to make it to the team.

"We want to bring youthful riders to Malaysia since we believe that they are our future cycling stars who will eventually make their mark in international competitions," PhilCycling president Bambol Tolentino said in a statement.

"If you believe in yourself and have the determination and drive, and if you are willing to sacrifice and pay the price for the things that are worthwhile, it can be done," said the young Cebuano cyclist./CORRESPONDENT JONAS PANERIO

WATCH IGIMAX RISING

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Published in Sun Star Newspaper on Feb. 8, 2012 Wednesday issue
by Iste S. Leopoldo, Staff Writer
Marian Baring, Sports Editor this issue

CEBU’S rising junior cyclist Luis Miguel “Igimax” Maximo of YKK Bikes joins the Philippine National U-23 and junior teams to represent the country in the 19th Asian Junior Cycling Championships starting today until Feb. 18 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Sixteen-year-old Igimax is the youngest member of the Philippine National Cycling team and the youngest RP delegate to the Asian Cycling Championships.

“Actually, he is the only junior cyclist from Cebu, Visayas and Mindanao who made it to the Philippine National Cycling Team,” Jonathan Maximo, his father, said.

Igimax, who is a graduating student of Paref Springdale, has an advocacy to prove that an athlete can also be an effective student, as long as he knows time management. He wants to prove that no matter how hard the demands of being an elite athletecan be, quitting school was never an option.

“In spite of the demands of being a member of the national team, like the need to go to Manila to train with the team, going back and forth from Cebu to Manila many, many times, he never quit school,” Jonathan said.

Igimax will depart on Feb. 11 to recon the race venue—its terrain, climate, wind conditions and more. The road race will be on Feb. 16 in Kuala Lumpur.

This is Igimax’s first international stint since becoming a member of the RP team last December 14, 2011.

Igimax is still eligible to compete in next year’s 2013 Asian Cycling Championships.

“At first, he only dreamt of being included in the National Pool so that he can get a more serious, high-level training in Manila. He surprisingly made it to the Philippine National Cycling Team starting December 2011 at 16 years old,” Jonathan said.

Published in the Sun.Star Cebu newspaper on February 08, 2012.

PHILIPPINE CYCLING TEAM

PHILIPPINE U-23 TEAM

PHILIPPINE JUNIOR TEAM

PhilCycling under Pres. Bambol Tolentino

racing for flag and country to the

32nd ASIAN CYCLING CHAMPIONSHIPS

19th ASIAN JUNIOR CYCLING CHAMPIONSHIPS

February 8 to 18, 2012

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

(L-R) Coach Cesar Lobramonte (Junior), Jheffson Sotto (Junior), Ryan Bravo (Junior), Gerald Mendoza (U-23), George Oconer (U-23), Luis Miguel Maximo (Junior), Ronald Lomotos (Junior) & Coach Bert Oconer (U-23).  Not in photo is Rustom Lim (U-23) & Rudy Ruque (U-23)

(L-R) Jheffson Sotto, Ryan Bravo (Pangasinan), Gerald Mendoza (Manila), coach Ponga Lobramonte, coach Bert Oconer, Igi Maximo (Cebu), Ronald Lomotos (Zambales), George Oconer (Manila)

(L-R): Gerald Mendoza (21yo), Jheffson Sotto (17yo), Ryan Bravo (17yo), Luis Miguel Maximo (16yo), Ronald Lomotos (17yo), George Oconer (19yo).

SMART-PH CYCLISTS JOIN ASIAN TOURNAMENT

Published in Phil Daily Inquirer Newspaper on Feb. 4, 2012 Sat. issue

A SMART-Philippine squad brimming with youthful talent will vie for honors in the 32nd Asian Cycling Championships and 19th Asian Youth Championships from Feb. 8 to 18 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Rustom Lim, 19, who won a road race bronze medal in last year's Asian Youth bikefest in Bangkok, Thailand, will spearhead the Under-23 squad that also includes another promising 19-year-old, George Oconer, son of former Olympian and Tour veteran Norberto Oconer.

Both Lim and Oconer will be competing in the track events, and will be joined by Rudy Ruque and Gerald Mendoza in the road race.

The lone track bet in the junior division is 17-year-old Ryan Bravo, who will team up with Ronald Lomotos and Igi Maximo in the road competition.

The under-23 quartet of Lim, Oconer, Roque and Mendoza looms as the dark horse that may pull-off a surprise in the road contest, according to head coach Cesar Lobramonte.

"We want to bring youthful riders to Malaysia since we believe that they are our future cycling stars who will evetually make their mark in overseas competitions," said PhilCycling president and Tagaytay City Mayor Bambol Tolentino shortly after the national team paid a recent courtesy call on Smart Chief Wireless Advisor Orlando Vera.

We welcome the opportunity to support the national cycling team, especially these young riders whom we expect to give their all against Asia's best to bring honor and glory to our country," Vera, for his part, said.

RACING WITH THE BIG BOYS

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Published in Sun Star Newspaper on Jan. 15, 2012 Sunday issue
by Iste Sesante Leopoldo, Staff Writer
Mike Limpag, Sports Editor

AFTER getting shortlisted for the junior team, 16-year-old Cebuano cyclist Luis Miguel Maximo joins the elite team of Under-23 cyclists’ training camp in Subic Bay.

The camp is designed for elite cyclists 19 to 22 years old. These cyclists were spotted for their exceptional performance during the 16-day, 12-stage 2011 Ronda Pilipinas Tour.

According to Maximo’s father, Jonathan, he is the youngest cyclist to join the camp.

Maximo did not join the Ronda Pilipinas because he is underaged but his inclusion in the national junor cycling team got him the invitation to join the training camp.

These cyclists, including Cebuano SEA Games gold medal winner John Mier, are some of the country’s best.

They will undergo training under Christopher Allison, an American elite cyclist who has extensive experience in the US and Europe international multi-stage tours and classic races.

LBC Express has ramped up its support for Philippine cycling, starting with the hosting of Ronda Pilipinas last year. This training will be used to harness the cyclists’ skills. The ones who will come out the best after the training will be sent to Australia to join various competitions there and in Asia for four months.

LBC is directing its resources to the “Road To France” project that aims to send the first Filipino cyclist to the Tour de France by 2020.

They plan to give the cyclists all the needed exposure and will try to get them licensed to compete in Europe by 2013.

“I did not expect that I will be given a slot in this camp. I should not miss this opportunity because I know that the kind of training I will get will be more scientific and up to date with international standards,” said Maximo, who will be graduating from high school this March.

Maximo will also use this training to prepare for the Asian Junior Cycling Championship next month in Malaysia.

Published in the Sun.Star Cebu newspaper on January 15, 2012.

CITY TO AWARD CYCLISTS

Published in Sun Star Newspaper on Jan. 12, 2012 Thursday issue
by Iste Sesante Leopoldo, Staff Writer
Mike Limpag, Sports Editor

TWO Cebuano Southeast Asian Games medalists are being pushed to be among the Outstanding Cebuano awardees in the field of sports in the Cebu City charter day celebration awards on Feb. 24.

This was disclosed by Cebu City Councilor Alvin Arcilla, who also passed a resolution awarding incentives to Cebuano athletes who excelled in their field of expertise.

The proposed awardees are John Yncierto Mier of Camputhaw and Niño Surban of Talamban.

“As of now, the Council has come up with a P10,000 cash incentive for a gold medal and P5,000 for a bronze medal. But we are still deliberating on increasing the amount,” Arcilla told Sun.Star Cebu in a phone interview.

The 19-year-old Mier, whose father is also a former national cycling team member, captured the gold medal in the men’s 30-kilometer race of the 2011 SEA Games in Jakarta last November. He also secured a bronze medal in the individual and team pursuits.

While 25-year-old Surban, who had to overcome a few odds just to join the SEA Games, settled for a bronze medal in the Olympic Cross-Country.

“They deserve to be recognized for what they have achieved as they have made the country and even the city proud,” Arcilla said.

He added that the decision will be finalized during their session and he has requested Mier and Surban to appear.

Before the charter day awarding, Mier will also get a chance to win more honors for Cebu as he is set to compete in the Asian Junior Cycling Championships on Feb. 8-18 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

He will be joined by junior cyclist Luis Miguel “Igi” Maximo, while Surban is also scheduled to defend his dominance in the International Mountainbike Challenge in Brunei in March.

Published in the Sun.Star Cebu newspaper on January 12, 2012.

IGIMAX LABING BATA SA PHL TEAM

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Published in Banat News on Jan. 5, 2012 Thursday issue
by Yoyo R. Abayan, Sports Editor

Namunga ang mga paningkamot sa Sugbuanong junior cyclist nga si Luis Miguel "Igimax" Maximo dihang siya nahimong labing bata nga sakop sa Philippine cycling team.

Si Maximo wala malakip sa top three list atol sa final tryout didto sa Tagaytay City sa miaging semana, apan ang iyang overall performance sa national scene ug ang iyang potensiyal sa maong matang sa paugnat sa kusog maoy naghatag kaniya og dalan aron malakip sa nasudnong koponan.

"I did not expect it will come this soon.  I was up against older riders during the trials.  All I wished for was a slot in the national training pool." matud pa sa presidente sa PAREF-Springdale Student Council.

Duha pa lang ka tuig ang nilabay sukad siya mibalhin og hilig gikan sa football ngadto sa cycling, si Igimax mihipos na og daghang dungog sa maong paugnat sa kusog.

Ang dakung kalampusan ni Maximo sa pagpalambo sa iyang abilidad mao sab nag-abli sa pultahan sa mga kompaniya aron mobubo og suporta kaniya sa iyang kampanya sa mga nasyonal nga kompetisyon.

Ang PhilCycling, ang UCI-recognized National Sports Association (NSA) sa cycling dinhi sa nasud ubos sa liderato ni Mayor Abraham Tolentino, mihimo og duha ka nationwide qualifying rounds alang sa National Junior Trials.

Sa Tour of Clark niadtong Nobyembre 26-27 sa miaging tuig didto sa Clark, Pampanga nga magsilbe isip preliminary round sa junior 16-17, si Igimax mipahiluna sa ikaduha nga dapit sa Individual Time Trial (ITT) nga adunay gilay-on nga 10 kilometrs ug ikatulo sa overall sa general classification.

Atol sa final tryout sa Tagaytay, si Maximo nahimutang sa ikaunom sa ITT sa 22 ka aspirants.

Karon nga kabahin na siya sa nasudnong koponan, si Igimax nalakip na karon sa mubong lista aron maapil sa pagsalmot sa Pilipnas sa 2012 Asian Juniors Cycling Championships karong Pebrero 8-18 didto sa Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Gilauman siyang mo-report alang sa training camp didto sa Tagaytay. (Yoyo R. Abayan)

DREAM COME TRUE

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Published in Cebu Daily Newspaper on Jan. 3, 2012 Tuesday issue
by Jonas Panerio, Correspondent
Rick Gabuya, Sports Editor

Sixteen year-old Cebuano junior cyclist Luis Miguel "Igi" Maximo achieved a long-standing dream of his as he was named to the Philippine cycling team, becoming its youngest member and the only junior cyclist from the Visayas and Mindanao.

PhilCycling, the UCI-recognized National Sports Association of cycling in the country headed by Mayor Abraham Tolentino, conducted two nationwide qualifying rounds for the National Junior Trials.

In the Tour of Clark last Nov. 26-27 in Clark, Pampanga, which served as the preliminary round for Juniors 16-17, Maximo finished in second place in the Individual Time Trial (ITT) 10km and third overall in the General Classification standings.

In the Tagaytay Trials last Dec. 12, in spite of travel fatigue and pressure from school commitments, he delivered a sixth place finish in the Individual Time Trial (ITT) 30km among the 22 aspiring cyclists.

"I did not expect it will come this soon.  I was up against older riders during the Trials, all I wished for was a slot in the national training pool," said Maximo.

"Cyclists from Pangasinan and Central Luzon - known hotbeds of cycling in the country - were strong.  The top-of-the-line cycling racing equipment provided by Cebu-based YKK Trading really made the big difference in the race," added Maximo.

As part of the Philippine National Junior Team, Maximo is now in the shortlist for inclusion into the country's participation in the 2012 Asian Juniors Cycling Championships this coming Feb. 8 to 18 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

MAXIMO MAKES PH TEAM

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Published in Sun Star Cebu Newspaper on Jan. 3, 2012 Tuesday issue
by Cheska D. Geli, Staff Writer
Mike Limpag, Sports Editor

CEBUANO cyclist Luis Miguel “Igi” Maximo fulfilled a dream when he made it to the PHL cycling team and qualified for an Asian competition set next month.

The 16-year-old 7-time Athlete of the Year of Paref-Springdale is the youngest member of the national team and the only junior cyclist from the South.

"Being part of the national team is something to cherish. Wherever this will lead me, I will always race for my hometown Cebu," said Maximo in an e-mail message.

With his inclusion in the Philippine Junior Team last December, Maximo is now part of the delegation that will compete in the 2012 Asian Juniors Cycling Championships this Feb. 8-18 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

He will be in Tagaytay City this month for a training camp with other four junior cyclists under PhilCycling in preparation for the international race.

Maximo got the attention of the national team officials following his performances in two national qualifying races.

In the Tour of Clark in Pampanga last November, Maximo placed second in the Individual Time Trial (ITT) 10K and third place overall in the General Classification standings for the juniors division.

In the Tagaytay Trials last Dec. 12, he finished sixth in the ITT 30K among 22 cyclists despite travel fatigue and pressure from school commitments.

These races, organized by PhilCycling, were held as the national junior team trials.

Among the races he joined prior to the national trials were the Cebu Cycling Criterium, where he placed second in the open age, the Mabitac Classic in Rizal, where he finished 12th in the Junior 20 and the Ormoc City Medical Society Bike Tour, where he placed second in the Junior 19 division.

Published in the Sun.Star Cebu newspaper on January 03, 2012.