AT 57 years old, Rolando “Boy” Pagnanawon proved he’s still got the legs to shame much younger rivals after the former Marlboro Tour champion won the Stage 1 criterium in yesterday’s Men’s 40-and-Above category of the Uling Road Race Classic from the Lantaw Restaurant in the South Road Properties (SRP) to Uling, City of Naga.
Taking runner-up honors behind the ageless Talisaynon were Philipi Sainz and Dadong Carcueva who yielded the title via video clip.
“It was my extra push on my bike to the finish line that made the difference. My experience with my pro tour days helped my win today,” Pagnanawon said.
Meanwhile, Jonel Carcueva took home the Men’s 39-and-Under title after breaking away in the middle of the 10-lap race.
YKK Bikes’ 16-year-old stalwart Ana Patricia “Ica” Maximo captured the top female rider title and earned a qualifying spot for Stage 2, a 52k trek from South General Hospital in Minglanilla to Uling, City of Naga.
“I need this kind of intensity in a race as I prepare for next year’s US Junior races,” the multi-titled Maximo said.