Prima cyclists shine in downhill series

MANILA, Philippines - Team Prima Cyclists Jerich Farr, Frederick Farr and Jing Malabanan dominated the Baguio and General Santos legs of 2014 Dowhill Riders Organization of the Philippines (DROP)- Specialized National Downhill Series recently.

Jerich Farr, 17, the youngest in his class, outraced national team rider JR Barba (1:30.90) and UCI Masters World Championship-bound Bans Mendoza (1:34.88) in the pro-elite class with a time of 1:30.13 in Baguio.

Farr also won the gold in the first round of the same event in the General Santos leg, where he timed 4:26.50. At second and third were Mitchel Beatriz (4:29.58) and Mendoza (4:36.48).

Coach Eboy Farr snared the Expert title, clocking 1:35.90 in Baguio to beat Wendell Barba (1:35.95) and Jali Lukas (1:39.53). He also outdueled Willy Marcalinas (5:22.0) with a time of 4:46.84 in General Santos.

 Jing Malabanan topped the 40-49 category (1:40.61), followed by Allan Martinez (1:45.25 ) and Fulvio Narciso (1:46.41).

Jing clocked 5:02.50 in General Santos, followed by another Team Prima rider, Welmer Velayo (5:25.28) and Jong Sunga (5:39.16).

The team Prima Pasta-Isuzu-Specialized riders are supported by Prima Pasta chairman Alexander Lim, Lawrence Sahagun, Isuzu Philippines, Specialized, Maxxis Tires, Joey and Jami Ramires of Dan’s Bikeshop.

Epi Cruz, the Team Prima’s 30-39 age category entry, landed fourth in Baguio. He took the bronze at the General Santos leg.