World mountain bike tiff set next month

MANILA, Philippines – Nuvali will stage the Philippine qualifying leg of the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) Mountain Bike World Championship at the annual "Dirt Weekend" set November 6-8 at Nuvali in Laguna.

The race, which started six years ago, will gather some of the country's top professional mountain bikers and enthusiasts alike in an event that will be sanctioned by the UCI, cycling's world governing body.

"We are honored that Nuvali is hosting this prestigious international cycling event because biking is part of the environmentally responsible culture that we are cultivating in Nuvali," said Nuvali General Manager John Estacio.

"We continuously develop programs that are attuned to the local biking community, programs that promote a healthier lifestyle by encouraging biking as a mode of transportation and recreation.

"Also, we would like to serve as a platform for globally competitive athletes from the Philippines to get a chance to compete in the global stage," he added.

Dirt Weekend will feature four MTB races – Marathon World Series, Cross Country Olympic, Cross Country 35km Fun race and Four Cross Race – over a three-day competition.

Aside from the main events, Nuvali will also hold special activities such as a bike expo and bike clinic.

Organizers are expecting over 5,000 visitors, including 1,500 riders.

"We strive to make Dirt Weekend an enjoyable gathering place for competitive bikers and fun riders by staging challenging races that cater to all skill levels, as well as entertaining fringe activities such as a bike expo and food fair for all," said Estacio.

Dirt Weekend is a leading pioneer in staging world-class cycling events, a testament of its enthusiasm and support to the Philippines cycling scene.