MANILA, Philippines - Junior rider Jean Erick Mitra proved he is the Philippines ‘ most promising rider after ruling the Junior 85cc class of the Motocross Masters of Asia-Puerto Princesa International Motocross Grand Prix at the Sta. Monica International Racetrack in Puerto Princesa, Palawan recently.
Known by his nickname Jerick, Mitra spearheaded a stunning 1-2-3 finish by Filipino riders in the 12-14 Junior 85cc division, where he beat the challenge of Renato Mangosong and Patrick North Orbe.
With Mitra leading the charge, the Filipino trio collectively quashed the bid of highly favored Iranian rider Hamedrel Adlelgoo.
“My hard work paid off. We put our training up a notch and used longer hours perfecting our riding skills,” said Mitra, a student of the Metropolitan Academy Manila.
“I hope my Asian achievement will spill over to the local motocross series,” said Mitra, who is backed by Oakley, JBS Motorcycle Parts and Accessories.
Mitra’s teammate and idol Kenneth San Andres won 1st place in the National Motocross Championships and settled for 6th place in the premier Grand Prix event of the tournament sanctioned by the National Motorcycle Sports and Safety Association and sponsored by the City of Puerto Princesa .
San Andres gave a good fight as he was consistently second in the first few laps of the race, but the foreign challenge proved tough as he slipped down to sixth overall in the race won by Thailand ‘s Arnon Theplib.
The motocross event highlighted the festivities of Puerto Princesa’s 137th Foundation anniversary and the 5th Balayong Festival. The Asian tour proceeds to Ulanbaatar , Mongolia , Indonesia , with the final round to be held in Riyadh , Saudi Arabia in November 2009.