Multiple victories were witnessed as history was made at the 2022 UCI Gravel World Series Philippines. Let’s hear the stories of triumph from the finishers of the 85km race who bravely faced the dirt road for that one goal: a finisher’s medal.
The 2022 UCI Gravel World Series Philippines marks history as it kick starts the first-ever multi-nation, multiple-leg race series under the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI). The race was held last April 3 in Bongabon, Nueva Ecija, a location well known in the global riding community and a popular destination for many in the past few years.
Clocking in at 3:06:46.7, Butuan native Riemon Lapaza of Cycleline Butuan overcame the dirt road and the strong wind on a flat tire near the finish line as he topped the Philippine leg of the 2022 UCI Gravel World Series in all categories.
“Okay naman. Medyo nanibago lang sa una,” said Lapaza, “‘Yong sa patag malakas ‘yong hangin. Mas matulin pa ‘yong ahon kesa sa patag.
“Natiis ko lang ‘yong hangin tapos natsambahan ko lang siguro na nakondisyon ako,” Added by th 35 year old cyclist.
Rick Nobel, a Dutch cyclist from the Netherlands, championed the men’s 19-34 category.
According to Nobel, “I’m enjoying myself. Actually, my stay is too short. I wanted to stay for two weeks but work is calling so I have to go back,”
“I don’t think this is the location in the Philippines where most tourists go but I think they should because it’s quite an authentic way of life and really an agricultural region with all the animals, and the crops, and the nice mountains. I think it’s a really good atmosphere here, people are welcoming and the food is quite good,” he added.
Nobel appears to like the tranquility and the massive cycling culture of Bongabon, Nueva Ecija. He’s originally a diplomat from New Delhi, India, and he started internationally racing at 19 years old.
Mellisa Jane Jaroda topped the women’s 19-34 category, and ranked first among female racers with 3:39:00.639.
Ann Aleonar, who has been racing since 2010, shared that she was overwhelmed with gratitude. “I took a 5-year break from racing, and anyone who’s raced knows that it isn’t easy to come back – especially up to racing level,” Aleonar said. “And then the pandemic happened, it really wasn’t easy. When I actually finished and qualified, the first feeling I felt was gratefulness.”
Completing the list of the top finishers per category at press time were: Angelo Bryant Licup of Team Franzia (men’s 40-44, 3:11:48.097; Jaime Lopez of Bike Hub (men’s 60-64, 3:19:19.911; Akihiro Takaoka of Roppongi Express (men’s 45-49, 3:21:59.257); Melissa Jane Jaroda of Devel (women’s 19-34, 3:39:00.639); Richard Santiago of Dan’s Bike Shop (men’s 50-54, 3:47:18.320); Leilani Marie Tan of Rapha Cycling Club (women’s 50-54; 3:59:52.429); Joselito Patayan of Cycleline Butuan (men’s 55-59, 4:04:45.026), Chloe Jane Ong of POSF (women’s 35-39, 4:04:45.026); Anna Khristine Aleonar of Attack Bike Shop (women’s 40-44, 5:05:25.179); Anna Marissa Remigio of Team David’s Salon (women’s 45-49, 5:05:25.179); and Chris Turpin of Attack Bike Shop (men’s 65-69, 5:37:22.671).
“This is a big boost for Bongabon as a destination for sports tourism. We hope to make use of the municipality’s potential to help promote the country, and further establish it as major global hub for gravel riding.” said Bongabon Mayor Allan Gamilla
The 2022 UCI Gravel World Series Philippines was obviously not an experience of triumph just for those who received a medal as they reached the finish line. This event consists of victorious stories of the whole biking community, of men and women, of the Bongabon City itself, and of the locales of the Bongabon.
