Prima riders bag two golds in 2011 Singapore Open

Manila, Philippines - The Prima Cycling Team, representing the Philippines, pocketed two gold medals and one silver medal in the recent 2011 Singapore National Open Cycling Championship at the Kent Ridge Park in Singapore.

The father-and-son tandem of former Philippine downhill team coach Frederick Farr and rising junior cyclist John Derrick Farr outraced all foreign riders in their respective divisions in downhill event to capture a gold medal each.

Frederick Farr, 39,timed in 1:09.670 in the Downhill Masters 35-above category to outclass Singapore’s Mohd Fahmie Senen (1:11.080) and Arnold Lacorte of Philippines (1:13.163).

“This is my first time to compete in an international race so it is really unforgettable to win a gold there as an athlete,” said the older Farr, who thanked Alex Lim and Prima Pasta for supporting their campaign during the competition.

The 14-year-old Farr captured the gold in the downhill junior 14-19 class in 1:04.333 time to beat Singaporean riders Harold Foo (1:06.269) and Shadumi Anaqui (1:09.948).

Alex Lim, the benefactor of the Prima Cycling squad, thanked Prima Pasta, Isuzu, South Cycle Bikeshop, TM Olegario Construction, Lou Laforteza, Lightwater, Panaracer Tires and Nema for their all-out support.

John Michael Mapacpac finished second in the cross country sports 19-to-34-year-old class in 51.19 for the silver medal behind gold medal winner Jordan Ross Aveyard of Great Britain (45.28).

Alvin Timbol, the other Prima rider, ended sixth in 1:18.328 in the Downhill Masters 35-year-old category.

“I’m so proud of them. I just told them to compete for our country and then they went home with two gold medals and a silver medal,” said Lim, who also supports other sports like bowling and badminton.