Ted Conde: From BMX rider to champion motocross racer

CEBU, Philippines - He wanted to be a motocross rider, but financial constraints forced Cebuano extreme sport enthusiast Ted Conde to take up BMX racing first during the early stage of his athletic carrier.

But in an unexpected twist of fate, it was exceptional skills on a BMX bike that became his ladder to motocross stardom.

"When I was a child, I really dreamed of becoming a motocross rider but my parents couldn't afford to buy me a motorbike during that time that is why

I just concentrated on BMX. However, in one of the bmx events I joined way back in 1995 in Ozamiz, a friend suddenly approached me and asked me if I wanted to try motocross. Without a second thought, I said yes," said Conde, who hails from Daanbatayan north of Cebu.

True enough, that opened the window of opportunity for Conde to carve his own niche in this popular extreme sport.

Despite having only one year of experience, Conde swiftly made an impact in the motocross racing circuit by winning the overall championship in the begginers division of the National Motorcycle Sports and Safety Association-organized nationwide series spread in 12 legs in 1996. He emerged as the novice overall champion the following year, then dominated the intermediate category in 1998.  There's really no stopping Conde's rise to the top as he landed at the top eight among the elite pro riders in 1999.

Unfortunately, Conde suffered an injury on his thigh bone that prevented him from racing for a couple of years. But one really can't underestimate the heart of a champion. In his comeback race in 2012, Conde made his presence felt by placing third overall in the pro category of the Sel J Sports Series. He also topped several races under the MS Motosuit Motocross Series spearheaded by Cebuano sportsman Lou Ornopia that cemented his status as one of the country's top riders.

"For one to succeed in motocross, one must gave discipline, patience and perservance.Focus on trainining also matters most because as they say, practice makes perfect," said the 37-year-old Cebuano daredevil.

Conde's rise to motocross echelon will be featured in the fifth episode of MX-R LS (Motocross Rider Life Story), the newest segment of the MS Motosuit

Motocross TV series aired over CCTN 47 every Saturday from 10 to 10:30 a.m. Replays of the weekly show are scheduled every Sunday from 10:30 to 11 p.m.  (FREEMAN)