Visiting mountain bikers Jhun Brai Kaliko and Anne Flores topped their respective categories of the inaugural 60-kilometer Mountain Bike Challenge Adivay 2019 on Nov. 17.

Kaliko of Agoo, La Union emerged the overall champion during the event, which gathered 140 mountain bike enthusiasts from Benguet and neighboring areas.

Trailing Kaliko were Jaypee Olarte and Butz Miranda as they led the participants from the start to the finish point at the Benguet Sports Complex in Wangal, La Trinidad through the scenic route of Halsema Highway and then to Kapangan-Kibungan Road before negotiating the back roads of Tublay going through La Trinidad’s Alno-Samoyao-Cruz Road.

Anne Flores of San Fernando City, La Union emerged the overall champion in the distaff side, followed by Rowena Bay-an and Michelle Cho who gave a good race in the event organized by the 18 Degrees Outdoor Club in partnership with the provincial local government of Benguet.

In the 50 and above category, Leo Martes topped the group followed by Fermin Nalitom and Jing Lejao, while Sonny Lamsis led the 40 to 49 category followed by Edwardo Tadifa and George Killo. Butz Miranda topped the 30 to 39 followed by Jason Angpeo and Reagen Ossic.

Kaliko is the top winner in the 20 to 29 event followed by Jaypee Olarte and Clint Salbino while Harold Quinos ruled the 19 under followed by Charlie Cazon and Shen Colobong. 
Team Maninilip grabbed the championship plum for the group award over Bike Rack and other mountain biking teams.

Organizer Jey-m Miguel said the event gathered riders from Ifugao, Pangasinan, La Union, Rizal, Manila, Nueva Ecija, and Nueva Vizcaya aside from MTB teams from Baguio, Benguet, and Mountain Province.

Aside from the 60-kilometer trail bike, 50 participants also joined the five-kilometer fun ride along the pine forest of Barangay Wangal to and from the Benguet Sports Complex.  
The awardees received trophies, medals, and cash prizes from various sponsors.

“Special thanks to Bureau of Fire Protection, PNP, Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management, Red Cross Benguet, Lagalag, Dgango mountaineers, Igohiking, Team Ulaw, and all other unmentioned who made this event possible,” Miguel said.