Eleven mountain bike enduro riders from Baguio City led by Marvin Bueno were victorious against some of the best riders from Region 1 in The Bike Yard Cycles MTB race in Salapak Trail, Aringay La Union last week.
Coming home for a much-needed vacation from performing his frontliner duties in Qatar, Bueno biked his way to the top of the 36 and above category, as he was joined on the podium by Vince Dangiapo of 7-Day Adventures with a fifth-place finish.
Fellow highland rider Kline Bayquen placed seventh in the same age category joined in by riders mostly from La Union, Ilocos Norte, and Pangasinan.
Ibaloy wunderkind Vrenj Carantes won his second championship trophy for the year, as he dominated the 13 under age group for the second straight race having won the same category in the Teban Enduro Race in Bulucan a few weeks ago.
The victories of Bueno and Carantes in their categories prevented a total domination of all categories by fast and rising stars from La Union who dominated all but two categories.
Six other riders from Baguio City were also podium and top 10 finishers in their categories.
The podium and top 10 finishers in the elite category were Khastner Fanged, third; Thomas Baday, seventh; Jay Camero, eight; and Mead Nathaniel Dulay, 10th.
The top 10 finishers in the 20 to 35 age categories were Jhubert Bocyag, fifth; John Chiday, sixth; and Allan Fulo, seventh.
The race had three special stages of enduro trails which is a combination of technical downhill sections and a few uphill sections that will both test the riders’ skill, fitness, and endurance.
Held on the hills overlooking the West Philippine Sea, it was truly a test for the riders from this mountain city, as they also had to deal with the scorching heat from the summer sun.
A total of 144 riders from Region 1 and Baguio City joined this year’s edition and were treated to another adrenaline filled day of racing.
Baguio riders continue to race and emerged victorious despite having little to no support aside from having only a few trails to hone their skills. – Vince Dangiapo
April 20, 2024
