Cebu Challenge Cycling Classic winner John Mier to compete next in Java Tour
After dominating the inaugural Cebu Challenge Cycling Classic 2012, 20-year-old Cebuano John Mier will next try his skills in Indonesia on Aug. 30 as he competes with the Philippine team in the Java Tour Cycling.
Mier, of team LBC-MVP Sports, won the three-stage, 439.5-kilometer Cebu Challenge and bagged P30,000 for his efforts.
He completed the grueling race that passed through northern and southern towns of the province in nine hours, 56 minutes and 56.29 seconds.
Mier took the yellow jersey after the individual time trial at the South Road Properties on Wednesday then ruled Stage One from the Cebu Provincial Capitol to Bogo City, northern Cebu.
He failed to win the next two stages but still emerged on top after having the best time after three legs.
“I prepared for this race because this is a major event,” said Mier, who also bagged the youngest biker award. “I am glad that I performed well and I’m looking forward to my race in Java.”
Article continues after this advertisementTots Poledan of Cycle Line Extreme Butuan finished second in the overall standings with a time of nine hours, 57 minutes and 29.22 seconds.
Article continues after this advertisementLPG American Vinyl’s team captan Irish Valenzuela placed third with a time of nine hours, 57 minutes and 32.94 seconds.
Meanwhile, the LPG-American Vinyl team of Manila went home with P75,000 after topping the team event with an overall time of 29 hours, 37 minutes and 06.93 seconds.
Finishing third and fourth are Mangaldan Pangasinan (29:30.04.53) and Cycle Line Butuan (29:39.04.53), respectively.
NOT SATISFIED
Even though the inaugural race went on without a hitch, former director of the ministry of youth and sports development in the country and race director Boy Odilao said he is planning for a better race in the second season likely to be staged this year.
“This is just a modest success because we faced a lot of problems from day one to the last. But we will do our best to give everyone a more successful tournament in the next race,” said Odilao.
He said more teams are expected to join in the next race, especially those from Manila who were not able to make it to this race because of the heavy rains that battered the nation’s capital the past days.
