Cordilleran downhillers have dominated four of the eight categories of the recently held Baguio Downhill Open at Camp John Hay with Khastner Fanged of Sayote Boiz/Banat Brad leading the way as the elite category champion.
Jason Herbolari, on the other hand, came up with a faster time to beat UCI Masters World Champs veteran James Sardea in the 50 years old and above category.
Arthur Narvais ruled the 40 to 49 category and was joined on the podium by fellow local riders Kline Bayquen and Nico Realina.
The 30 to 39 category was won by BehindBars Bikeshop rider Mark Tangan and was joined on the podium by Duran Durante and Jaime Pogdon.
The other four categories were nearly dominated as well by local riders as Angelo Carantes finished second in the 19-under category while Elijah Nadera placed second in the 20 to 29 category.
David Briones also placed second in the hardtail category, while comebacking rider Mika Aglipay settled for second place in the women open category.
Michael Langaoan landed third while Sean Sacgaca and CK Poleracio placed fourth and fifth to complete the podium for the 19-under category.
Wawa Amdengan settled for fifth place in the 20 to 29 category while Kurt Wanson took Mark Dogyang and Jemart Apa-ay placed fourth and fifth place in the hardtail category.
The women open podium was also filled with local riders like Danette Fontanilla, Stacy Ann Simalong, and Tracy Jo Depalog who placed third, fourth and fifth.
A total of 130 participants joined the race with riders coming from as far as Guam, U.S.A. and Fujairah, UAE.
Local riders were from Zambales, Tarlac, Metro Manila, Pangasinan, La Union, Abra, Benguet, and Baguio City.
The Baguio Downhill Open was organized by 7DayAdventures with support by R.O.X. Camp John Hay, John Hay Management Corporation and Ayala Technohub.
The event aimed to promote downhill mountain biking as part of sports and adventure tourism since Baguio has the potential to host national level races. – Vince Dangiapo
