Top riders due for FIM-UAM motocross tilt

The bulk of the participating delegations are expected to fly in next week in time for the FIM-UAM 2006 Motocross Masters of Asia set March 18-19 at the Puerto Princesa City motocross racetrack adjacent near the City Hall.

Preparations for the event supervised by Puerto Princesa City Mayor Edward Hagedorn and city administrator Atty. Agustin Rocamora are on its final stages and will be ready for practice by next week.

"We’re hoping to duplicate, if not surpass, the success of the past two stagings here. And with the number of tourists coming in for the event, we hope to firm up Puerto Princesa’s tag as the Sports Tourism Capital of the country," said Hagedorn.

Over 40,000 local townfolks are expecting the exciting showdown in Round 2 of the 2006 FIM-UAM Asia Pacific Motocross Championship organized by the NAMSSA and supported by the city of Puerto Princesa, the Philippine Sports Commission, Philippine Olympic Committee, Department of Finance and the Bureau of Customs and Bureau of Import Services.

The intricate track design internationally approved by the FIM Motocross Commission will surely add flavor to the brewing rivalry between New Zealand ace James Robinson and the Philippines’ multi-titled champ Glenn Aguilar as seen in the recent successful Camel International Supercross Championships held in Bacolod and Iloilo City recently.

The uphill and downhill routes, the treacherous narrow turns, the triple jumps and the challenging table top will surely test their skills and strategy.

Aside from that, the two top favorites will have to survive the big challenge from equally strong contenders Teddy Otsuka of Japan, Aep Dadang Supriatna and Denny Orlando of Indonesia, Jye Harvey of Australia and defending champion Arnon "Turbo" Theplib of Thailand for the coveted crown in the centerpiece 125cc class, the Mayor Edward Hagedorn Cup, a sterling silver trophy coming from the city’s chief executive and his constituents.