Back-to-back records for young Cebuana cyclist

CEBU, Philippines - Ana Patricia "Icamax" Maximo made it back-to-back as she made another record as the youngest cyclist to compete and finish the tough Aboitiz Power Tour in Subic over the weekend in Subic Bay Freeport.

Last month, the incoming grade 8 student of Sacred Heart School - Hijas de Jesus became the youngest female cyclist to compete in the Tour of Clark held in Clark Air Field.

In Stage 1, which is a grueling 20-kilometer Individual Time Trial (ITT), the 13-year-old Icamax, inspite of her young age and lack of experience, grabbed a surprised eight place in a 23-women field, finishing with a time of 38:09 minutes anchored on  an average speed of 30kph and maximum speed at 43kph.

Marella Vania Salamat came out the champion in 32:53 minues, followed by Doray Ellis (33:16) and Bic Ferreria (34:28). Completing the top 10 are Alisa DiCarpio (35:33), Rebecca Cabrera (35:35), Gezelle Butala (35:49), Annie Lyn Abdon (36:53), Juliet Rafols (38:09), and Susie Magno (38:53).

The event, organized by Raul Cuevas of Bike King Phils. and sponsored by Unilab, Crystal Clear and Garmin, managed the closed roads in cooperation with Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority for the safety of the cyclists.

Stage 2 will be the Criterium Race in which the cyclists will go around a circuit for 40 minutes plus one final lap. The final Stage 3 will be the grueling 85km Road Race along Airport-NCT roads. This competition is backstopped by Orbea, Corima and Pocari Sweat.  (FREEMAN)