IGIMAX RARING TO DON PHL COLORS IN ASIAN DUATHLON

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Published in The Freeman Newspaper on Nov. 23, 2012 Friday issue
Manny Villaruel, Sports Editor

A young Cebuano student-elite athlete will soon have opportunity to represent the country not only in one, but in two sports.

17-year old Luis Miguel "Igimax" Maximo of Ateneo de Manila University, current member of the Philippine Junior Cycling Team, has recently been included in the Phl Junior Duathlon training pool that will represent the country in the 2012 Asian Duathlon Championships this Sunday in Subic Bay Freeport.

"Igimax will have a special role in the team," national triathlon coach Melvin Fausto said.

Fausto visited Cebu two weeks ago to organize TRAP's national grassroots development program to the different cities and towns around the country.  The project aims to help popularize the sport and discover young potential triathletes.

Duathlon is a multisport endurance event that involves running and cycling.  The two-time SAC awardee will compete under the Junior Elite category consisting of a 5km run, 20km bike, and 2.5km run.

Asian Triathlon Confederation (ASTC) members Japan, China, Korea, Malaysia, Hong Kong, Singapore, Thailand, Chinese Taipei, Syria and Iran have confirmed participation in the event organized by Triathlon Association of the Philippines (TRAP) headed by Tomas Carrasco.

Earlier this year, the YKKBikes-supported cyclist also represented the country in the 2012 Asian Cycling Championships in Malaysia, the only Cebuano and the youngest in the Phl cycling team.

"This is going to be tough for me but I will try my best for Cebu to be represented in Asian Duathlon," shared the resident of Brgy. Lahug.

To prepare for the international event, Cebu-based YKK Trading will provide the youngster with the top of the line cycling equipment fitted with Ridley, Campagnolo, Token, FSA, Vision, Lazer, Fizik, Santini, Carnac, Kenda and Cycleops components.

IGIMAX FIRST TRI

XTERRA TRIATHLON LITE

March 18, 2012 7:00AM

Amara, Lilo-an, Cebu, Philippines

SWIM. 16-year old Luis Miguel "Igimax" Maximo (left), the youngest participant of the Xterra Tri, with good friend & fellow Cebuano actor Matteo Guidicelli, prior to the start of the 500meter swim leg.

SWIM. Finishing the 500meter open water swim in 10minutes using a Santini TriSuit with a Twist Gel technology.

TRANSITION. Shifting his focus from swim to the 35km bike leg.

BIKE. Negotiating the "Graveyard" downhill route wit his reliable and tough Kenda Nexcavator off-road tires.

BIKE. The tough and very technical course resulted in some crashing down the hill and others opting to dismount on their bikes to get past the downhill route.

BIKE. With Lilo-an's historical landmark - The Lighthouse, serving as the backdrop

RUN. Doing the last and final leg - the 5km run.  Photochromic eyewear lens technology by Lazer Argon

FINISH. The junior road cyclist completing his first-ever triathlon event in 3hrs 2mins 34secs.

Luis Miguel "Igimax" Maximo

CHAMPION

Men 15-19

XTerra Triathlon Lite

Thanks for the support Ridley, Campagnolo, Token, Lazer, Full Speed Ahead, Santini, Vision, Fizik, Carnac, Kenda, CycleOps, YKK Trading, John Montecillo, James Montecillo & Maximax

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.

IGIMAX REVEALS KEY TO BALANCING SPORTS AND ACADEMICS

Published in The Freeman Newspaper on Feb. 10, 2012 Friday issue

by Manny Villaruel, Sports Editor

Cebu, Philippines - Hardwork and fortitude. These are the driving force that enables the bemedalled Cebuano cyclist Luis Miguel 'Igimax" Maximo to balance sports and academics.

Maximo gamely admitted that had it not been for his perseverance, he would not have hurdled the rigors and tough demands of being a member of the Philippine Team.

And by his example, Maximo wants to prove that being a student and an elite athlete at the same time is very much possible.

"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 Maximo.

For his gradual rise to cycling stardom, Maximo has a lot to thank for particularly his ever supportive alma mater - Paref Springdale - where he is currently the Student Council President, and to his generous sponsors that include the Cebu-based YKK Trading, Ridley, Campagnolo, Token, FSA, Vision, Lazer, Fizik, Kenda, Carnac and Santini.

"Paref Springdale has given its all-out support by excusing me from classes whenever I train in Manila and join competitions abroad," said Maximo, who used to be the skipper of Springdale Football Team.

Maximo, 16, is the youngest and the only Cebuano member of the Philippine U-23 and Junior teams that will see action in the 2012 Asian Cycling Championships set from February 8 to 18 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. The teams were organized and formed by the UCI-recognized PhilCycling under its president and Tagaytay City Mayor Bambol Tolentino.

"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 international competitions," said Tolentino.

Maximo will leave for Malaysia on February 11 to acclimatize and to study and assess the race venue including its terrain, climate and wind conditions among others. The Road Race event, of which Maximo will be the country's representative, is set on February 16.

As an athlete, it will be Igimax's first international stint since he made it to the Phl squad just two months ago. (FREEMAN)

CEBUANO CYCLIST GETS SLOT TO U-23 ELITE TRAINING CAMP

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Published in The Freeman Newspaper on Jan. 15, 2012 Sunday issue
Manny Villaruel, Sports Editor

LBC Express, the country’s no. 1 courier company, is the latest corporate backer of young Cebuano student-cyclist Luis Miguel “Igimax”Maximo of YKKBikes when he was given a slot to attend the exclusive U-23 Elite Training Camp on January 11 to February  9, 2012 in Subic Bay, Olongapo City, Zambales.

The camp is designed for elite cyclists in U-23 whose age ranges from 19-22 years old who were spotted for exceptional performance during the 16-day, 12-stage 2011 Ronda Pilipinas Tour.

The special invitation extended to the young 16 year-old SAC awardee made him the youngest cycist to join the camp.  Though he did not compete in the Ronda Pilipinas due to age concerns and school commitment, his recent inclusion to the Phil National Cycling Team and his participation in junior and open amateur races around the country earned him the special invitation to join the elite camp.

The training camp will be conducted by renowned Christopher Allison, an American elite cyclist who has extensive experience in US and European international multi-stage tours and classic races.

LBC Express, through its sports arm LBC Sports Development Inc, headed by owner Dino Araneta, have decided to support Philippine Cycling by staging the 2011 Ronda Pilipinas and now focuses its attention and resources to the “Road To France” project – a dream to send the first Pinoy cyclists to join the Tour de France.

To achieve this, the Team LBC Cycling will be formed out of the training camp and will be based in Australia this year for further training and exposure in international multi-stage and classic races.

“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 standard,” shares the graduating high school student of Paref Springdale School.

“I am thankful for my school Paref Springdale headed by Mr Rick Ampiloquio who have allowed me to join the camp.  My head teachers Mr Jason Dante and Raymond Gone who have patiently supported my studies through on-line homeworks,” said the President of his school’s Student Council.

The young lad will be bring with him in the camp his YKK Road and Time Trial racing bikes equipped with Ridley, Campagnolo, Token, FSA, Vision, Lazer, Fizik, Carnac, Santini and Kenda components for testing and fine-tuning.

The youngest member of the Phil National Cycling Team will also use the training camp in preparation when he represents the country in the Asian Junior Cycling Championships this Feb 8-18 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

IGIMAX STAMPS CLASS ANEW

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Published in The Freeman Newspaper on Jan. 10, 2012 Tuesday issue

CEBU, Philippines - Bemedalled Cebuano junior cyclist Luis Miguel "Igimax" Maximo of YKKBikes made sure Cebu Cycling's pride is intact by grabbing a gold medal in the juniors (18-under) category of the 10th Tour Ni Frank over the weekend.

Igimax almost scored a twinkill after placing second behind Ramon Espinosa in the open B class. The other top winner of the two-day tilt was Raymond Naquinis in class C.

Aside from the usual open B and C divisions, the organizers added a junior category for the first time to support the growing interest of the sport among the youth.

Promising Cebuano cyclist Luis Miguel "Igimax" Maximo on his way to a solo finish in the Juniors (18-under) category of the 10th Tour ni Frank over the weekend.  Maximo also placed second in the Open B category behind Ramon Espinosa

"It was Igi's local knowledge of the race route in Trans Central Highway that spelled the difference. It was a tactical race. I was following them, and I can see that he was letting his opponents go first at a fast pace, then attacked in a crucial part of the route - a killer climb. He was never caught after that and soloed to victory," noted race organizer Fil-Am Frank Gatdula.

The victory was doubly sweet for the 16-year-old member of the Philippine Team as he was able to outrace Miguel Gonzales of Manila, the overall junior champion of the 2011 Pilipinas Cycling League (PCL). The third place went to Dexel Chu.

The four-leg PCL series brings the cyclists to Subic Bay (Olongapo City), Clark Field (Angeles City), Matabungkay (Batangas) and Manila. Due to budgetary constraints coupled with school commitments, the student-athlete from Cebu was only able to join two legs and thus failed to contend for the overall plum.

"I'm proud of this win because I did it in front of the hometown crowd," said the SAC awardee. "My mentors in Cebu Cycling advised me to take it easy in the first kilometers, wait for the group to pass in that Killer Climb, then make the attack. I was able to escape, rode alone until I saw the finish line with the crowd - mostly my friends, cheering for me!," said the president of PAREF-Springdale Student Council.

The local Trans-Central Highway (TCH) climbing race route is getting to be famous nationwide, with some saying it is even more difficult than the Baguio pass. The roads are so steep it can punish unprepared riders - a number of them have to dismount on their bikes and walk through the killer climb or worst, do a DNF (Did Not Finish).

The 36km course started in Gaisano Balamban, traverses the Trans Central Highway and finishes at Buak, Busay Hills, Cebu City.

"My preparation during the holidays paid off. I missed the christmas and new year parties. I want to make bawi na sad," said the graduating high school student of Paref Springdale who will fly to Manila next week to start his training with the Phl squad.

"Im looking forward to defend the junior title. With the support of Cebu sports community, we can make it more exciting next year," said Igimax. The out-of-town participants will probably stay a couple more days to study the route prior to the race next year. This will be good for Cebu tourism.

Igimax's recent feat was made possible by the support of YKK Trading, Ridley frame, Campagnolo groupset, Token wheels, FSA crankset, Vision bars, Lazer helmets, Fizik saddle, Carnac shoes, Santini apparel, and Kenda & Challenge tires.

CEBUANO JUNIOR CYCLIST MAKES IT TO PHL TEAM

Published in The Freeman Newspaper on Jan. 3, 2012 Tuesday isssue

by Caecent Noot Magsumbol, Staff Writer

Manny Villaruel, Sports Editor

CEBU, Philippines - Decorated Cebuano junior cyclist Luis Miguel “Igimax” Maximo reached another milestone in his budding career after he became the youngest member of the Philippine Cycling Team.

Maximo may have been out in the top three list during the final tryout in Tagaytay City last month, but his overall performance in the national scene and his potential in the sport paved the way for his inclusion in the PHL squad.

"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 the president of PAREF-Springdale Student Council.

Only two years since shifting from football to cycling, Igimax has already reaped several honors in the said sport.

Maximo's great determination to improve his skills has also opened the door for several companies to support him in his campaign in national events.

PhilCycling, the UCI-recognized National Sports Association (NSA) 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 November 26-27 in Clark, Pampanga which served as the preliminary round for juniors 16-17, Igimax grabbed second place in the Individual Time Trial (ITT) covering10 kilometers and third place overall in the general classification.

During the final tryout in Tagaytay, Maximo placed sixth in the ITT among the 22 aspirants, thanks to the time trial bike designed by fellow Cebuano James Montecillo of YKK Trading.

"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 Igimax.

YKK Trading's support for Igimax has resulted in securing equipment partnerships abroad with Ridley frames (Belgium), Campagnolo groupset (Italy), Token wheels (Asia), FSA cranks (US), Vision tri bars (US), Santini apparels (Italy), Lazer helmets (Belgium), Fizik saddles (Italy), Carnac shoes (France), Kenda tires (Asia) and Challenge tires (Italy).

Now that he is part of the national team, Igimax is now in the shortlist for inclusion into the country's participation in the 2012 Asian Juniors Cycling Championships on February 8-18 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. He is expected to report for a training camp in Tagaytay City.

"Being part of the national team is something to cherish for. Wherever this will lead me to, I will always race for my hometown Cebu," assured Igimax. - (THE FREEMAN)

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