Bigger Nuvali bikefest set

MANILA, Philippines - Organizers expect a bigger, higher-level competition for this year’s Dirt Week in Nuvali with the races now sanctioned by the International Cycling Union (UCI) and the Integrated Cycling Federation of the Philippines (PhilCycling).

“Our target is to have 2,000 or more participants in all age groups, with participants from as far North as Baguio to as far South as Sultan Kudarat,” said event organizer Athena Mendoza.

The widely anticipated bikefest at the trails and roads of Nuvali, a sprawling eco-community in Laguna, will blast off with the Dirt Weekend Invitational on Nov. 26-28, featuring competitions in cross country (XCO/XCR) and Four Cross events.

The Dirt Weekend will serve as a prelude to the Nuvali Dirt Week set later in November, which will hold road criterium and enduro races as well as the finale for the Philippine Duathlon meet, in addition to Cross Country and Four Cross.

Riders for this year’s spectacle will be required to secure licenses from PhilCycling and as such would also get the chance to compete in other UCI-sanctioned races.

“For the first time, riders will get to earn points in some categories, not only in the country but also for international races,” said PhilCycling secretary general Avelino Sumagui. 

PhilCycling executive director Jose Villa Jr. added that the federation is encouraging its pool to race Nuvali as this will be one of the basis for selecting the SEA Games team.

UCI commissaires Beatrice Lajawa of Malaysia and Oscar Rodriguez of the Philippines have been tapped to supervise the races in the fifth edition of the event, which according to Nuvali GM Aniceto Bisnar Jr. is being held in line with the thrust of the 1,860-hectare Ayala Land development to build an eco-community where business and recreation meet.

Some high-profile riders like Eusebio Quinones, Frederick Feliciano, March Aleonar and Alvin Benosa are expected to take part.