For Arniel Lacnit, 'safety first' in motocross

CEBU, Philippines - Injuries, sometimes life-threatening, are part of the risk extreme sport athletes have to take that is why safety is of paramount importance for champion motocross rider Arniel Lacnit.

Lacnit himself went through a harrowing experience he would never forget in his lifetime. He broke his left leg after a mishap in one race he joined in Guimaras four years ago. But that did not stop him from pursuing his dreams as six months after that scary incident, he jumped back into the racing track with renewed vigor and confidence.

"Injury is a huge risk we have to face in this kind of sporting endeavor," said Lacnit, a native of Pagadian City but now based in Manila. "That is why I want to instill in the minds of the young aspiring riders to always put premium on their welfare and safety every time they race."

With that unfortunate incident now a thing of the past for him, Lacnit made it sure to put himself on the winning track.

A double champion in the intermediate and novice categories of the 2012 MS Motosuit Motocross Series, the 36-year-old Lacnit is also a Golden Wheel awardee under the novice class in the Sel-J Sports National Motocross Championships way back in 2011 and 2012. Among his latest achievments was topping the veterans division in last year's Kopiko Supercross Series.

"Motocross has taught me a lot of valuable lessons in life, chief among them is discipline. Through motocross, I also lead a healthy and clean living. The sport really means so much to me," he said.

Lacnit is girding up for two major events before winding up his season. First, is the last stage of the Kopiko Supercross Series on November 29 in Lipata, Minglanilla and then the Lanao del Norte leg of Sel-J Sports National Series on December 8.

Lacnit will share more about his remarkable achievements in the MX-RLS (Motocross Rider Life Story), the newest segment of the MS Motosuit Motocross TV series aired over CCTN 47 every Saturday from 10 to 10:30 a.m. Replays of the weekly show are scheduled every Sunday also from 10 to 10:30 p.m.— EBV (FREEMAN)