Surban steals limelight

Cross-country specialist Niño Surban emerged as the winningest rider in the 1st Quickflight Downhill Mountainbike Classic the other day at the Velasquez-owned property in Brgy. Busay, this city.

Surban ruled the full suspension category and settled for second place honors in the hardtail event.

In the full suspension competition, Surban prevented seasoned motocrosser Ted Conde from stealing the show after negotiating the 900-meter course in one minute and 46.86 seconds. Surban utilized his expertise in pedaling to overcome his weakness in the drops and jumps to win the top post over Conde.

Conde though was still very pleased with the result as he managed to outsmart PJ Yu, who had the second best time in the initial run. Conde ended his quest with the time of 1:49.39, while Yu settled third at 1:51.52.

Surban faltered in coming up with a twinkill by just 24 mili-second to Gene Faelnar in the hardtail bike classification.

Faelnar utilized his experience of being a former motocross rider in dealing with the obstacles to beat Surban with a 1:54.33 clocking.

In the executive level, Edgaer Virtudazo was unopposed, while the full suspension class saw Apen Sanson outsmarting Churchill Lopez and Noel Quijano for the top post.

Bawing Bucarisa, who had long been planning to shift from cross-country to downhill, came out the champion in the hardtail novice class with 2:01.38, while Hansel Bacalso finished second with 2:07.12.

In the beginners class, it was Michael Merilles who led the charge with 2:07.73. Lex Lopez and Noni "Badok" Lopez wound up second and third, respectively.

In the full suspension novice level, the top three riders were Juvannie Villaluz, Lloyd Opolentisima and Jon Harter, while the beginners class saw Macky Igot ruling the field followed by Bonbon Ferol and Ian Roy Tuburan.

In the special event for dirtbike riders, Dongky Sanchez posted a double victory in the uphilll race in this Nature's Spring-presented competition supported by Bikehub, Cebu Boardwalk, Motosuit, Honda Philippines, Pro Grip,Honda Motorworld, Thirsty, Thinking Tools, Gatorade and Aison's Bike Shop.

Sanchez beat Sergio Chua and Monching Povadora in the open production and Ayen Ledesma and Nelson Sicad in the 125 enduro class.