Surban steals show in Globe m'bikefest

Despite an early crash, Nino Surban accomplished his target of clinching back-to-back victories in the cross-country event, even as the visiting downhillers from Dumaguete stole the show in the Cebu Globe Broadband Downhill Rampage and Cross-country Classic at Willie's Place to Kan-Irag golf course the other day.

Randy Carbonera, the only local rider to beat Surban last year, led the charge early on.

Surban of Danaotel-Quickflight Racing tried to steal the lead from Carbonera at a dangerous curve approximately one kilometer from the starting line, but crashed instead.

Surban, however, got up right away and caught the four other expert riders.

Surban eventually wrested the lead and never looked back from thereon. He crossed the finish line in 59 minutes and 16.38 seconds.

Carbonera ended second with a time of one hour, one minute and 41.52 seconds, while Albert Basirgo was third with 1:03:30.07 clocking.

In the seniors division, Eusebio Ravanez made another sterling performance to claim the title with 1:02:08.07. Joseph Diez settled for second in 1:05:40.52 and Earl Vince Cadampog third in 1:06:57.70.

Jun-Jun Canasa ruled the juniors division with 1:07:25.90, while Joseph Diez' younger brother ended second in 1:07.26.10. Gino Basergo placed third in 1:10:07.69.

Noel Famor also got back-to-back wins as he dominated the masters-I event over Ramon Mon and Roger Obenieta.

The master's II class, on the other hand, had Benito Javier on the top spot. Antonio Eguinto came out second and Nasario Bacus third.

Rolando Jabas surprised the rest by taking the first place honors in the executive divisions over Albert Paraiso and Christopher Paz.

Michael Tanciado was the best-placed beginners class rider, while Jerson Cruiz and Camilo Caballes landed at second and third, respectively.

In the downhill competition, it was a complete sweep for the Dumaguete bets in the experts class.

The Barba siblings, Wendel and JR, only needed one heat to post a 1-2 finish, while Sam Gil Mindal took the third place trophy.

In the executives category, Gerold Tuburan was the fastest followed by Roel Quijano and Richard Lato.

In the novice class, the top three finishers were Ryan Jordenico, Bryan Boter and Von Ferol.

Kevin Paul Yu made sure he will not go home empty-handed like his brother PJ by grabbing the beginners title. Carlos Russel wound up second followed by Lex Lopez.