Race Report | EnduroPilipinas Round #3, Zamboanga
Zamboanga City in the Philippines was under siege on June 13th 2015, as it played host to the third major leg of the EnduroPilipinas national series. Riders flew and sailed in from different parts of the country to take part and experience what the City had to offer. Once again, the Philippines didn’t disappoint.
Daybreak saw the riders loading their bikes onto huge trucks that would bring them to the first peak. This was quite unusual as we usually pedal and hike our way through all the liasons but this kept you wondering what was in store for the rest of the day. Most riders who were not able to take part in the track read prior to the race anticipated the long and steep liaison stages in-between, but in fact, it was the complete opposite. Each special stage was designed to test the riders’ skill and metal as they got faster, steeper, and more technical.
The first stage had riders blaze through a wide-open fire roads that served as a welcome sight to most of the participants. The section had seriously loose rocks, ruts, and explosive pedaling that had people holding on for dear life while trying to concentrate on which line choice to make.
Stage 2 and 3 were fast rolling and smooth single track sections reminiscent of manicured bike parks. The stages opened up with multiple drops and high speed turns that had riders sporting grins on their faces during their successive runs. The third stage was the longest of the whole course and had riders wishing for a respite right after the finish.
All the riders we’re transported up the top of the mountain on the way to the hardest section of the race. Opening up with a steep high speed section full of loose dirt and rocks, the riders were faced with the difficult task of staying in control of their steeds while trying to keep their energy up for the trials that lay ahead. This proved to be the most brutal stage as a multitude of riders had crashes in different parts of the track.
Special Stage 5 was the cherry on top. It combined all the previous tracks which tested the balls of the riders. Steep, technical, and flowy trails were on hand meshed with sniper roots, huge boulders, and off camber sections. The finish line greeted riders who were either smiling due to the gnarly tracks or were just happy to have endured the most challenging leg of the national series thus far.
The event was capped off by a wonderful and festive award ceremony as the podium featured experienced riders as well as up and coming young lads who all shared the passion for this growing sport in the country. Teddy Jambre took the top spot in the “Curious” (first timers) category, while Gerevel Rinos was the fastest in the “Femenino” (women) category. The “Idols” (40 years old and above) category
was bagged by Romeo Quitoy. The “Elite” category had the defending Enduro Pilipinas champ NiloEstayo leading the field as he finished with a 9 second gap over Rubiemar Vedua. The podium was rounded out by Roel Quitoy as he settled into third.
The City of Zamboanga had withstood the enduro siege. Battle-hardened, the riders left with heads held high ready to take on the next challenge.
For more info, visit: enduropilipinas.com
Words & Photos: Courtesy of Enduro Philipinas
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