Bago, Talisay win Gov. Lacson’s MTB team challenge

Cycling is indeed one of the most popular sports events in the province of Negros Occidental today. Proof of its rapidly-growing popularity is the Governor Bong Lacson MTB 5-MAN Team Challenge Inter-LGU Mountain Bike Team Race organized by the Provincial Sports Office on November 26, Saturday. And the cities of Bago and Talisay won the Championship Titles in the South and North leg categories, respectively.

Cycling enthusiasts all over the province gathered in the Capitol Lagoon grounds on Saturday to join the Inter-LGU Mountain Bike Team Race. Bago City – Team B was hailed the champion in the South leg category while Bago City – Team A landed in second place (first runner-up). Valladolid – Team A was also in the top three, earning the third-place spot (second runner-up).

For the North leg, Talisay City – Team B emerged as champions, while Bacolod City – team A ranked second (first runner-up), and Silay City – Team A was the third-placer (second runner-up). A total of ten (10) LGUs with two (2) groups from each team participated in the event.

For the Age Group Champions (North Leg), Chris Adrian Veloso of Talisay City – Team B was named the champion in the 13-15 category, and Jethro Camus (Talisay City – Team B) for the 16-19 age group. Benjie Kho, Aries Escardia, and Ernesto Parohinog of Bacolod City – Team A nabbed the championship titles in the 20-29, 30 and Up, and Women or 50 and Up categories respectively.

Bago City – Team B’s Edmark Malunes, Tristan Jude Sibulan, John Jason Callejas, Romnick Bibit, and Jwyn Muyco were named champions in all the five age group categories – 13-15, 16-19, 20-29, 30 and Up, and Women or 50 and Up.

As for the route, Gun Start was in Talisay City and was led by Provincial Sports Office Head Mr. Anthony Carlo Agustin, Race Manager Mr. Brian Martir, and Talisay City Executive Assistant Mr. Jerome Bagtas. Bikers explored the designated cycling routes in Concepcion, Murcia, and Abuanan.

The awarding ceremony was held in Murcia Public Plaza with Negros Occidental Governor Eugenio Jose V. Lacson, Mr. Agustin, and some Murcia officials. The champion teams were awarded P15,000.00 in cash and medals, while the first and second runner-ups received P12,000.00 and P10,000.00 cash respectively.

A consolation prize of P3,000.00 was awarded to each team and the champions in the age group categories received P1,000.00 in cash and medals.

The Governor Bong Lacson MTB 5-MAN Team Challenge Inter-LGU Mountain Bike Team Race is part of ABANSE NEGRENSE Sports development programs spearheaded by Gov. Bong Lacson.* (PSO)