AMERICAN cyclist Keith DeFiebre outclassed the local field as he won the Stage 3 Criterium race in the Men’s Golden category of the Ride Bohol Cycling competition in Bohol.
A native of Monterrey, California, DeFiebre ruled the 40-kilometer race in Panglao in 1 hour and 32.51 minutes, a wheel’s length ahead of second placer, Boy Tiples of Manila, who timed 1:32:39.
Completing the cramped sprint to the finish were Cebuano Dr. Jonathan Simbajon (1:32:50) and Frank Labra of Bohol (1:32:51). Another Cebuano, Dr. John Gayatin, who was earlier in the thick of the action, suffered a flat tire towards the end of the race but still salvaged fifth place in 1:35:03.
In the Men’s B/C category, Jonel Carcueva surged ahead at the start and never looked back, winning the race by more than nine minutes, with a time of 50:08. In second was Bohol’s Adelino Buligan (59:44.43) while in third was Cebuano Amon Espinosa (59:44.83).
SPECIAL AWARD
Meanwhile, 16-year-old female racer Ana Patricia Maximo was given a special award by organizers for her determination in competing against such a tough field in the three-stage, 142-km men’s competition.
“Cycling is fun and you get to see tourist spots and learn the culture of other places,” the grade 10 student of Sacred Heart School-Hijas de Jesus said.