1st Monterrazas mountainbike race unfurls today

CEBU, Philippines -  A total of 262 pedal-pushers from all over the country will vie for top honors as the 1st Monterazzas de Cebu Road and Mountainbike Challenge gets underway today starting and ending at the Residences at the Peaks, the second highest elevation of Monterrazas de Cebu.

Some members of the Philippine team led by Cebu's hometown pride John Renee Mier are set to showcase their wares in the lung-busting race that is considered as the biggest event in Cebu cycling history in terms of prize fund.

The other top contenders in the open elite divison include Oscar Rendole, Dominador Marana, Rustom Lim, and Ronald Lomotos, said race director Joe Deresas of the Unified Cycling of Central Philippines-Cebu Chapter.

Several other riders from Manila, Bohol, Ormoc, Butuan, Tanjay, Cadiz, Dumaguete and other areas in the Visayas and Mindanao are also in town to challenge Cebu's homegrown talents.

However, Nino Surban, one of the early favorites, will be missing in action as he opts to join in two major international competitions in Langkawi, Malaysia that will also start today.

The two-day tilt in Monterrazas spearheaded by Genvi Development Corporation revs off with the 4.5-kilometer mountainbike action early this morning. Tomorrow, the 5.2km road bike challenge will take place.

Aside from the open elite, the categories to be contested are the seniors (50-above), juniors, executive (PRC license holders), fat riders, golden riders (60-above), women's and beginners.

The biggest chunk of prize money will go to the open elite winners, with the overall champion getting a P10,000 paycheck. The second to fifth placers will receive P10,000, P8, 000, P6,000, P4,000 and P2,000, respectively. A side from cash, the top five finishers per category will also receive trophies and medals.  (FREEMAN)