Cebuano and partner are first Filipinos to finish ‘Tour de France of mountainbike’

HISTORIC RIDE

Cebuano Jundeb Andre Esquivel (left) and Randolf Andino of Mindorocarry the Philippine flag at the finish line in Durbaville, South Africa. (Contributed Photo)

A Cebuano and his partner made history after finishing “the toughest mountain bike race in the world” recently in South Africa.

Cebuano Jundeb Andre Esquivel, a 33-year-old mountain bike rider, together with Randolf Andino from Mindoro, became the first Filipinos to finish the 12th ABSA Cape Epic—The Untamed African Mountainbike race held last March 15 to 22 in South Africa.

The prestigious race, which started at the University of Cape Town and ended at the Meerendal Wine estate in Durbaville, South Africa, is known as the “Tour de France of mountain bike.” It was participated mostly by Europeans and South Africans and covered roughly 800 kilometers of unspoiled scenery and 15,000 meters of accumulated climbing.

Esquivel and Andino were the only Filipinos and Asians to join the race. They finished with a total time of 57 hours eight minutes and 46 seconds good for 238th spot after seven stages of grueling off-road terrain in the mountain passes of South Africa.

The race features a two-person team format. Each team should finish together in each stage.

Esquivel, an electrical engineer who hails from Mabolo, Cebu City but is now based in Singapore, said the race was the toughest he joined so far.

“The experience that I got from that race was beyond what I can imagine. It was the toughest race I’ve ever done so far. The landscape in general was so perfect for the event itself and yes, we did struggle, with the cold weather and dryness. It was indeed a tough race but we did survive,” Esquivel said.

He also said that the experience of waving the Philippine flag at the finish line was a very proud moment for him.