John Derrick Farr tries to keep his balance in the downhill competition of the 2017 Philippine MTB National Championships Asian Invitational in Danao City yesterday.
CDN PHOTO/LITO TECSON
John Derrick Farr named fastest Filipino cyclist in Danao MTB
National team member John Derrick Farr emerged as the fastest Filipino cyclist to be named the Men’s Elite national champion in the downhill competition of the 2017 Philippine Mountain Bike National Championships and Asian Invitational at the Danasan Eco Adventure Park in Danao City, northern Cebu yesterday.
Farr of Team Prima Specialized ended the race in three minutes and 19.24 seconds. He finished second to Thailand MTB National Team’s Chinnapat Sukchanya, who ruled the Men’s Elite Asian Invitational.
The Thailander was 4.2 seconds faster than Farr.
“The difference this year was the rocks on the course. It was more challenging this year to get the flow so I could control my speed,” Farr said.
Farr noted that the competition was more competitive compared to the 2016 edition as the Thai national riders showcased their dominance in the 1.7-kilometer course.
Meanwhile, Lea Denise Belgira of Guimaras Xtreme Riders (GXR) became the Women’s National Champion while Wendell Barba emerged as champion in the Men’s Master category.
Belgira placed in third behind Vipavee Deekaballes and Chatkamnoed Siraphatson, both from the Thailand MTB National Team.
Other winners were Kobra Kidapawan’s Allen Maali (Men 17-19), Gensan Bike MOB’s Edmar Palaca (Men 20-29), Taokas Racing Team’s Ferdinand Recaborda (Men 30-39), and V12 Radgear’s Jonathan Verga (Men 40-Above)
The Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI)-sanctioned event will have its cross-country races today.