Rustom Lim snares expert title in mountainbike race

CEBU, Philippines - Rustom Lim capitalized on the misfortunes of Cebu's hometown bet John Renee Mier to easily snare the expert title in mountainbike event of the 1st Monterrazas Bike Challenge yesterday at Monterazzas de Cebu.

Mier, one of the strong contenders, encountered a mechanical trouble in the early goings of the three-lap race covering a total of 13.5 kilometers. His bike chain got dislodged on the rough roads just a few kilometers from the starting line, allowing Lim and Ronald Lomotos to enjoy a breakaway.

While the other riders tried to catch up Lim, Mier decided to protect Lim’s lead for the sake of their being former teammates in the national team. That ploy turned out well as Lim crossed the finish line with the best time of 35 minutes and 20.07 seconds.

Another Cebuano entry Warren Vinan came out a distant second in 35:58, while Mier placed third with a 36:26.68 clocking.

John’s younger brother, Michael, also failed to meet expectations as he settle for only four in the juniors division dominated by Balamban’s Kit Carbonita with the time of 11:37.13.

In the seniors division, Jerry Buhisan reigned supreme after finishing the two-lap action in 24 minutes and 25.30 seconds, while Xterra pro triathlete Joseph Miller topped the veterans class in 12:43.33.

Rolando 'Boy' Pagnanawon, the last Cebuano Tour champion, was definitely a golden boy as he ruled the said class with a 12:11.58 clocking. Tanjay’s Charlie Villagonzalo wound up second in 12:38.98 followed by Antonio Beronio in 13:08.39.

Nilo Barbalose, another tireless cyclist of Cebu, grabbed part of the limelight after dominating the masters division in 10:20.66. Dadomo Carcueva and Wendell Abastellas occupied the next two spots with the time of 10:33.87 and 10:57.32, respectively.

In the women’s open category, Cheryl Gomez lorded it over with the time of 14 minutes and 21.38 seconds. She bested Ana Patricia 'Ica' Maximo, the youngest rider in the race at only 15 years old, who timed 16:19. Josephine Auxterio placed third in 17:36 followed by Zenia Mai Espelita 17:52.62. (FREEMAN)