photos courtesy of John Manalastas
words by Jong Narciso
After five months or racing, it’s finally over. With the last race being held last June we now know who is the best in downhill racing in the Philippines.
The Fox Philippine Downhill Series is a series of downhill mountain bike races held all over the country. Patterned after the World Cup of the UCI (Union Cycliste Internationale), the series was instrumental in finding out who was who in downhill mountain bike racing. With five legs in five different venues, downhill racers were challenged to put their skills to the task. In one race, a mountain biker might win because he was in top shape or maybe because he was very familiar with the course. But with a series he has to consistently show top form to land the overall position.
With more than 200,000 pesos in cash as prizes, downhill racers went to Majayjay in Laguna to kick off the series. After that was Baguio, and then they sailed to Dumaguete in the island of Negros. The last two legs were held in the vicinity of Metro Manila namely Angono and Montalban. A brainchild of “Nono” Pornel of Fox Racing Shox, the series was a much needed boost for the growing community of downhillers.
After the last leg in Montalban it was Joey Barba of MtPro Bikes who took the top spot in the Elite Category pocketing Php50,000. He was followed d by his cousin JR Barba of Kamikaze/Faren winning Php35,000. Third spot went to another cousin, Wendell Barba of Kamikaze/Faren getting Php25,000. Fourth and fifth were Parabanne Mendoza of DirtDawg/Faren and Aky Nolasco of Chumba getting Php15,000 and Php10,000 respectively.
In the Semi Pro Category, March Aleonar of Philippine Army/Bentspokes ably held ground and getting Php25,000 for his efforts. Following him to take runner up honors was Scott Remi from Dumaguete taking home Php15,000. Hanzel Valmocena of Team Ha-ooh was third with Php10.000 and Philander Layos from Bulacan followed winning Php8,000. Rounding up the Semi Pro category was Donn Mikael Robles Of Groundzero getting Php5,000.
The Executive Category was dominated by Joel Vana of Team Ha-ooh. Joel was the only racer who won on all legs of the series. Despite his age he showed how downhill racing should be and getting Php4,000 for his talent. Second place was hard fought with a mere four points separating the contenders. Louie Acedera of Bentspokes came out on top with Lex Evangelista following in third. They got Php3,000 and Php2,000 each.
Even though they were new, the racers in the Beginners Category showcased their talents and showed the community that downhill racing will be exciting and thrilling to watch in the future. Leading the Beginners was Michael Vincoy from Dumaguete being awarded with Php3,000. Young John Derrick Farr of South Cycle showed that he has the same talent as his father Pro racer “Eboy” Farr. He got Php2,000 while Nikko Enriquez got Php1,000 for getting third place.
Showing that they are a force to be reckoned with, Team Ha-ooh led by Erwin Benipayo took top team honors in the points category for team standings
Finally without these people, the Fox Philippine Downhill Series will only be a figment of our collective imagination. Because of these people and companies we were able to fulfill our dreams and have our very first series.
We would like to thank Edgar “Nono” Pornell and Fox Racing Shox our main benefactor.
Thanks also goes to Allan Morales, Lex Evangelista, Jong Narciso,
Erwin Benipayo, Gerry Salenga. Roann Calatin, Uly Liquigan, Roy Cas, Bob Collantes, Aky Nolasco, Wendell Barba
Kamikaze, Psyblade, Makiling Team Gravity, Ha-ooh, Badge Santos, Sea Oil, San Rafael Development Corp., Tariman Construction, Dirt Dawg, Bans & Tena Mendoza, John Wilkie, MAX Bike Park, Power Bikes, South Cycle, SAMMUSCOM, Scott/Duro, Alvin Alvar, John Paul Tonelete, Babbu Wenceslao, El Amigo, High Tech Cycles, Habagat, TWO, Fluid Industries, Lagalag, Island Life, Municipality of Valencia, Negros Oriental Tourism CouncilJoben Marketing, Bike Town Cyclery, Bikezilla, Turner, Montanara, Conquer, Isaw Haus, Velo, P.j. Bonza, Tetzgrafix, De la Paz Machineworks, Maglonzo, Junvic Saguinsin, Chico Siklo, Pakspaints
And a lot more, but our utmost thanks goes to all the downhillers who went.
