Lovely Gitaruelas: Honored to represent Cebu in Taiwan KoM
CEBU CITY, Philippines—Multi-titled Cebuana cyclist Lovely Gitaruelas is honored to represent Cebu in the Taiwan KoM Challenge 2023.
Gitaruelas is one of the three Cebuana cyclists from Team GGC Cebu competing in the women’s 20-age group category. It includes her sister, Lovely, and another elite Cebuana cyclist and triathlete Karen Andrea Manayon.
READ MORE: Gitaruelas sisters prepare for Taiwan King of Mountain Challenge
They will compete against over a hundred cyclists from around the world in the grueling 105-kilometer uphill international cycling race that ascends over 3,275 meters all the way to the summit of Mount Hue Huan.
“It’s feel good to represent Cebu, it’s an honor,” said Gitaruelas, who has been in Taiwan since October 22 along with the rest of her team.
Despite the motivation, Gitaruelas, daughter of former marathon queen Leszl Gitaruelas, feels a bit nervous heading into the race, given the challenging route.
“I’m actually nervous because it is very challenging. The temperature and altitude is very overwhelming. We did a recon ride and I froze and kinda struggled ‘coz I am never exposed to these conditions. But I’m still keeping my spirits up and leaning into positivity that I can finish this race safely,” said Gitaruelas.
But Lovely was actually given a taste of this kind of race in Cebu. In fact, she booked her ticket to this international race as part of finishing in the top 2 in the inaugural “Queen of the Mountain” bike race in Cebu.
Leslie won the title while Manayon finished third.
READ: Gitaruelas crowned first Queen of the Mountain champion
Gitaruelas said she will also be supporting Leslie and Manayon, who, for her, have bigger chances of landing a podium finish.
“I am very confident with the team. Leslie and Karen have very bright spot in podium. I’ll be here supporting both. They are our team’s strong climbers and I believe in them. I just wish we are all in good condition and can handle the weather condition during the race as it changes drastically,” Gitaruelas concluded.
Watch Gitaruelas talk about the race in this episode of CDN SportsTalk:
/bmjo
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