AFTER a double gold medal output in the just-concluded Batang Pinoy 2016 National Championships cycling competition, Davao City rider Richard Handumon, Jr. will anchor Team Geinrich in the 2nd Juan Race for Peace that will unreel Saturday, December 10, in an out-and-back course from Davao City.
Handumon recently won the boys 17 and under mountain bike and road bike golds and cycling criterium silver.
Handumon was a guest along with PhilCycling deputy secretary-general Salvador Paholio, Jr. and Batang Pinoy girls mountain bike double gold medalist Myra Regina Acedo in the Davao Sportswriters Association (DSA) Forum held at the NCCC Mall Food Cove Function Hall.
The 16-year-old gold medalist who just came from a route testing in Panabo City, said he can handle the 245-kilometer course as they already tried it last Tuesday.
“Kaya man, andam nako (I can do it, I am ready),” the Emar Human and Environmental College Grade 11 student said.
The route will cover Davao City passing through Panacan with Compostela Valley as turning point and back to origin.
Paholio, for his part, said they assured the safety of the participants, adding they will provide more marshals.
“Mas daghan na ta'g marshals karon kay well-supported na ta sa organization (We have more marshals with good backing from the organizers),” Paholio, whose group will provide the technical aspect of the race, said.
Handumon and Acedo recalled their preparations for the biggest Batang Pinoy so far.
“Bago ako nag gold sobrang daming sacrifices ang ginawa ko,” Handumon said, saying that he had to attend night classes so he can train during the day.
Acedo, a Grade 10 Sta. Ana National High School student, said she was inspired by her father who also loves to ride mountain bikes. She started cycling at age 10, claiming to love riding and crossing rivers.
“Daghan na sad ko nadulaan ug na experience sa mountain bike mao nakuha nako ang gold (I have a lot of riding experiences that helped me win the golds),” she said.
While Handumon is set to race on Saturday, Acedo's next race will be the Philippine National Games next year.
The bikefest is sponsored by Radyo ni Juan. (ABM)