Mountain bikers from Baguio City came up with an impressive showing in the PhilCycling National Mountain Bike Downhill Championships held in Danao City in Cebu last Sept. 9-11.
The event which was held in Danao City for the second straight year produced new champions and retained some defending champions as well with the elite category being ruled once again by defending champion Eleazar "JR" Barba of Dumaguete.
In the junior men category, Khastner Fanged of SayoteBoiz and pride of Bontoc, Mt. Province, and Baguio City proved once again that he is ready for the bigger stages of downhill racing by winning in his category and thus earning the right to wear the national champions jersey. His winning time is also fast enough to place him in third overall in the elite category.
In fifth place in the open men category was Thomas Baday also from Baguio City representing SayoteBoiz who courageously went up against more seasoned riders.
Meanwhile in the younger but also competitive category, Ibaloi cousins Vrenj and Angelo Carantes of Mount/NBT/SayoteBoiz managed decent finishes of 8th and 12th, respectively in the youth men category with Vrenj having missed out on the podium by only 6 seconds. This would only motivate him more to come back stronger next year having experienced this national level of racing for only the first time.
Overall, this lean but mean team of national championship first-timers from Baguio gave the city a renewed sense of pride despite the hardships that they went through before and during the race.
Thanks to all the people behind the scenes who have contributed to their success and hopefully the City of Baguio, especially our LGU would take notice and help our young athletes in developing and promoting the sport of Mountainbike downhill racing.
Congratulations once again Khastner, Thomas, Vrenj & Angelo, good job lads! Outstanding! 😎🤘🏽
Credits: Vince Dangiapo via Baguio City Public Information Office
