Oz Racing riders steal show in Round 5 of DROP Series

CEBU, Philippines - The men behind Oz Racing were not only a gracious host, they were also fierce competitors as they claimed double victory in the Oz Racing Descent Force's Round 5 of the Dowhhill Riders Organization of the Philippines (DROP) National Series, a mountainbike downhill race over the weekend in Cansomoroy, Balamban south of Cebu.

Oz Racing-Polygon-Kokonut's Eleazar Barba, Jr. won the premiere pro open division after beating his cousin Joey Barba, a member of the Philippine team who is also connected with Ground Zero and Adrenaline team.

Eleazar was simply unstoppable from the qualifying down to the final run and left not only Joey in awe but also Singapore's top downhiller Tan Jong Chun, who could only get into the fifth spot.

Eleazar negotiated the technical course with the best time of two minutes and seven seconds. Joey clocked in 2:09 followed by Greenthumb/Fox Racing's Scott Remi in 2:13 and Jerich Farr with the time of 2:13.

Surprisingly, Chun wound up only fifth in 2:15. He had the slowest time in the qualifying with 2:27.

Maximo Villarta handed OzRacing/Polygon/Kokonut's second championship trophy after he dominated the 20-29 age group with the time of two minutes and 20 seconds. His teammate Melo Anito placed second in 2:22.

Another Barba, Wendel, topped the experts class with the time of 2:17.  Eboy Farr of Team Prima/Isuzu-Dmax, father of singer-actress Francheska Farr, finished second in 2:18, while Redhorse Bacolod's Robert Anglo ended up third in 2:23.

Anglo's teammate Dave Jison ruled the 30-39 clkass in 2:23 as Cebuano motocrosser-turned downhiller Dongkey Sanchez was at second spot in 2:29. Lawrence Aliac claimed the third place in 2:29.

Nelson Tan of Cagayan de Oro's COMBAT shone the brighest in the 40-above category. He registered the fastest time of 2:29 followed by Victor Bagano of Bike Psychos in 2:35 and Roy Cas of Team DH Crew/MTG in 2:39.

Steven Alcancia grabbed the 19-below crown with a 2:26 clocking. He outsmarted Reybourne Balicha of La Union who posted 2:31, while Christopher Miraflor settled third in 2:34. (FREEMAN)