The scenario is expected since the participation of defending champion Randy Carbonera is yet to be known.
Another top mountainbiker, Nino Surban, is not joining the race either. He opted to join his new sponsor, Toshieo Nagashima, in the fun ride today.
To recall, it was Carbonera who grabbed the spotlight away from Surban in the inaugural staging of this event.
Aside from the open division, there will be six other categories at stake including the combined junior-senior, veterans, masters, fatboys, golden boys and the beginners.
A total cash prize of P100,000 will be up for grabs in the event officiated by the Sports and Fitness Enthusiasts (SAFE).- Caecent No-ot-Magsumbol