MAXIMO PLACES 2ND IN PARANAQUE ITT

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Published in Sun Star Cebu Newspaper on Sept. 1, 2010 Tuesday issue
by Marian Gladys Baring, Asst. Sports Editor
Mike Limpag, Sports Editor

JUNIOR cyclist Luis Miguel Maximo stood a good chance of keeping his leadership in the junior standing of the Philippine Premiere Cycling League after finishing second in the Individual Time Trial (ITT) race Sunday in Parañaque City.

Maximo surprised even himself because he admitted before the race that he was unfamiliar with the ITT and was unsure of his chances. But the Springdale School athlete held his own and completed a windy 30-kilometer race in 56:27 minutes.

National junior triathlete Gabriel Allen of Manila topped the race in 55:13 minutes, while Gino Ongkiatco from Batangas captured third place with a time of 57:49. Kenneth Banlusay (58:31) and Lance Juni (59:12) complete the top five list.

“I was not really expecting to win although I hoped for a podium finish. The result was good enough, for considering my lack of experience in ITT races. I have a lot to learn in ITT races. My bike is not ITT-ready. It’s really different from the criterium and road races that I join here in Cebu. But I’m still happy with the finish,” said Maximo, who is the only cyclist who have finished first or second in all five legs.

The organizers have not announced the official ranking of the juniors division but with his finish, there is a possibility that Maximo will keep his hold of the lead.

“The organizer has not yet announced the official result but we would like to think that we are behind in the standings. It’s better to be the underdogs because you will put more effort in your training,” said Igi’s father Jonathan

The sixth leg of the circuit will be a road race and time trial in Batangas at the end of September.

IGI PLACES SECOND IN 5TH LEG OF PPCL

Published in Cebu Daily News on Aug. 31, 2010 Tuesday issue
by Mars G. Alison & Jonas Panerio, Correspondents
Rick Gabuya, Sports Editor

Cebuano Luis Miguel “Igi” Maximo managed a second place finish in the 5th leg of the Philippine Premiere Cycling League held last Sunday at Macapagal Avenue , Paranaque City, Manila .

The 15-year-old Springdale School student completed the wind-swept 30 kilometer Individual Time Trial in 56 minutes and 27 seconds with an average speed of 32.4 kph despite his unfamiliarity with ITT events.

Maximo was trailed eventual winner Gabriel Allen of Manila , a national junior triathlete, who clocked 55:13. Third place went to Gino Ongkiatco of Batangas, who clocked 57:49.

Fourth place went to Kenneth Banlusay with a time of 58:31 while fifth place was won by Lance Juni, who got a time of 59:12.

“I was not really expecting a win. I was just hoping for a podium finish,” said Maximo. “The result was good enough for now considering my lack of experience in ITT. I have a lot to learn in ITT races. My bike is not ITT-ready. It’s really different from the criterium and road races that I get to join here in Cebu . But I’m happy with the win,” Maximo added.

It is not yet clear if Maximo was able to defend his overall junior ranking because the organizers have not yet announced the official results.

Maximo’s father Maxi said they would like to think that Igi is behind in the standings because it is better to be the underdog as one will put more effort in their training.

Maximo is the only junior cyclist who has either finished champion or second place in all events from Legs 1 to 5.

Before the 5th leg, Maximo was leading the Junior division ranking with his impressive performances, bagging the championship in the 1st and 2nd legs, a criterium race and a circuit race, respectively; a second place finish in the 4th leg--Tour of Clark-ITT (2nd Place), Tour of Clark-Circuit Race (champion), Tour of Clark-Road Race (2nd Place).

The 6th leg will be a Road Race and a Time Trial in Batangas sometime at the end of September.

However, Maximo has yet to confirm his participation as he still needs to ask permission from his school.

IGIMAX IKADUHA SA PPCL

MAXIMO VIES IN 5TH LEG OF PPCL

Published in Cebu Daily News on Aug. 29, 2010 Sunday issue
by Mars G. Alisaon & Jonas Panerio, Correspondents
Rick Gabuya, Sports Editor

CEBUANO junior cyclist Luis Miguel “Igi” Maximo will try to defend his overall junior ranking when the 5th leg of the prestigious 2010 Philippine Premiere Cycling League championship series kicks off today in Paranaque City , Manila.

The 15-year-old student of Springdale School will face an acid test as the 5th leg will be a tough 30 kilometer Individual Time Trial (ITT) set at Macapagal Avenue in Paranaque City near the SM Mall of Asia.

Maximo, who is supported by Oz Racing and Maximax Air Conditioning, earlier admitted that ITTs are not his forte and said his chances today may not be very promising.

“Not promising. ITT event is difficult for me. I don’t get to practice it because we don’t have many ITT races in Cebu . Second, this is a forte for triathletes, and I am not (yet). I know I will be up against some of the best junior tri in the country. Third, my bike is not ITT-ready. It’s a road bike that we have to modify so that I can use it for an ITT race,” Maximo said.

According to his father Maxi Maximo, there are fewer ITT races in Cebu because unlike Manila , Cebu has very few, wide highways.

“Imagine the local cyclists have to travel all the way to Danao or Sogod just to have an ITT practice. They have to be away from the city to avoid the vehicles on the road. Still, there are buses to contend with. One good cycling venue in Cebu is the SRP. I hope we can do some events there with the support of the city government,” Maxi Maximo said.

Maximo is leading the Junior division ranking with his impressive performances bagging the championship in the 1st and 2nd legs, a criterium race and a circuit race, respectively; a second place finish in the 4th leg--Tour of Clark-ITT (2nd Place), Tour of Clark-Circuit Race (champion), Tour of Clark-Road Race (2nd Place).

He failed to compete in the 3rd leg, the Tour of Subic, due to a conflict of schedule, when he went to the US to honor an invitation to join some US junior cycling events.

 

“Let’s just see what happens. One thing I can assure you, nobody gives up. Di palupig ang bisdak oi. But being able to represent Cebu in a sports event is already big deal for me,” Maximo said of today’s race. /CORRESPONDENTs MARS G. ALISON and jonas panerio