Baguio as mountain biking hub, eyed

Due to its favorable ‘topography’ as compared to most areas in the county, the Summer Capital is considered to be suitable for mountain biking and has the potential of becoming a hub and training ground for biking enthusiasts and other aspiring athletes.

Race director Vince Dangiapo, Feb. 19, spearheaded the Baguio Downhill Open 2023 for the first time in nearly a decade, where 140 cyclists battled through rain and muddy terrain in search of cycling glory.

Echos of support and thrill for the spectacle has not only gathered families and friends but also notable biking personalities to witness and participate in the extreme sporting activity.

Unsurprisingly, Southeast Asian Games 2022 bronze medalist Naomi Gardoce snatched the Women’s Open Category Champion title. She claimed that she was drawn to compete in Baguio for the second time because of its unique, fresh, attractive, and challenging tracks.

The event featured multiple categories, with the Youth category as this year’s latest addition. The victorious winners for each category are:

Men Age 19 & Below – Villalon, Travis

Men Age 20 to 29 – Satur, Juan Miguel

Men Age 30 to 39 – Tangan, Mark

Men Age 40 to 49 – Narvais, Arthur

Men Age 50 & Above – Herbolario, Jason

Men Open – Fanged, Khastner

Women Open – Gardoce, Naomi

Hardtail – Rivera, Nephi John

Baguio, at 5,200 feet above sea level combined with year-round cool temperature, is an ideal venue for the extreme sport according to former national Mountain Trail Biking (MTB) athlete and current national coach, James Sardea of Guam.

“The local biking community is expecting that more sites in Baguio will be made available to cater as training grounds for the extreme sports resurgence,” he said. – Clyde Davies Berry and Grian Villanueva