CEBU, Philippines – The Cebuano pedal-pushers led by Amon Espinosa made waves in Stage 1 of the Ride Bohol Cycling Race, a 16-kilometer Individual Time Trial (ITT) in Loay, Bohol.
Espinosa lorded it over the men's B/C category with the time of 24 minutes and four seconds. Harry Jumamoy placed second with a time of 25:05 as Johnny Ferniz wound up third in 25:10. Bohol's homegrown talents Roger Torreon and Pio Castro took the next two spots with a 25:53 and 25:54 clockings, respectively.
Another Cebu bet Jonathan Simbajon landed at third spot in the men's golden division ruled by Philip Sainz of Ormoc City. Sainz clocked in 26:35 followed by American national Keith DeFiebre in 28:29. Simbajon crossed the finish line in 29:58.
Meanwhile, against a very strong all-male competition, 16-year-old Cebuana female cyclist Ana Patricia Maximo of YKKBikes.com held her ground and finished the wind swept ITT race in 33:46 for a respectable 14th place among the 16 male finishers. She also emerged as the top female rider.
"I'm satisfied with the result. The field is so strong I thought I will end up last.The experience I get competing with men stronger than me will help my confidence and racing skills," said the national cycling champion of Batang Pinoy and 2-time Sportswriters Association of Cebu (SAC) awardee.— EBV (FREEMAN)