777peso Mendoza claims elite title in Go For Gold Criterium Race Series 3
Aidan James Mendoza tops the men’s elite open in the Go For Gold Criterium Race Series 3 in General Santos City. Also present during the award ceremony is Go For Gold PH founder Jeremy Go (standing, extreme left). CONTRIBUTED PHOTO
GENERAL SANTOS CITY—Aidan James Mendoza hardly flinched despite the slippery terrain to claim the men’s elite title of the Go For Gold Criterium Race Series 3.
The fearless sprinter from the Go For Gold Continental Cycling Team cut loose from the peloton early amid the incessant rains and won his two-man sprint versus Jun Rey Navarra in a thrilling finish.
Article continues after this advertisementMarc Ryan Lago, another Go For Gold Continental Cycling Team standout, checked in third, just four seconds after the winner crossed the line, rewarding their squad a double celebration on the podium.
FEATURED STORIES SPORTS NBA: Wizards' Corey Kispert agrees to 4-year, $54M deal SPORTS NBA: Nuggets give Aaron Gordon 4-year, $133M extension SPORTS Griffeys hope to see Lakers' LeBron, Bronny James make NBA history READ: Go For Gold Criterium Race Series 3 rolls off in GenSan“Masarap ang pakiramdam na naipanalo namin itong karera para sa Go For Gold,” said Mendoza after clocking 45 minutes and 56 seconds in completing the 1.4-kilometer loop in front of the city hall which the peloton rode for 40 minutes plus an additional three laps.
“Sa umpisa pa lang alam kong magiging mahirap kaya ginawan ko agad ng paraan para kumawala,” added the 25-year-old multiple podium finisher in international races, including placing third in a stage at the Tour of Thailand this year.
Article continues after this advertisementMTB junior rider John Andre Aguja, another Go For Gold star, likewise made his team proud by seizing the MTB junior men’s crown while Kate Yasmin Velasco of Standard Insurance ruled the women’s open after racing for 25 minutes plus three laps.
Article continues after this advertisementCyclists from all over Mindanao came to race despite the weather in this third and last phase of the Go For Gold Criterium Race Series this year supported by event partners Go For Gold PH, SCRATCHIT, PhilCycling, General Santos City and world boxing icon and former senator Manny Pacquiao.
Article continues after this advertisement“Our races are organized to give more opportunities for our local riders. For sure we will have more legs next year where we can hopefully find more upcoming cyclists,” said Go For Gold founder Jeremy Go.
Go For Gold’s Marvin Mandac again topped the men’s junior race in 20 minutes and 47 seconds, defeating teammates Aguja (10 seconds behind) and Justhene Navaluna, who arrived 12 seconds back.
Article continues after this advertisement READ: Sprint king Jan Paul Morales rules Go For Gold Criterium Series 2“We are already discussing plans for next year and not only criterium races. We want to add different events to showcase all the aspects of road cycling here in the country because these races also serve as talent identification,” said Go.
Kathlene Dela Vega shone in the women’s junior division in a high-speed finish where she nosed out Aira Danara Gregorio and Xarles Adrian Dorado likewise grabbed victory by the skin of his teeth in outsprinting Nathaniel Aquino in the men’s youth.
Andrei Deudor ruled the men’s under-23 category in a bunch finish where the Standard Insurance sprinter beat his teammate Steven Tablizo at the line while Jexxel Azur wound up third.
Adrian Bayot bested the field in the managers’ category, Jumar Del Rosario took the title in the 30-39 division and Noel Lacamento emerged triumphant in the 40-up category.
Subscribe to our daily newsletter
Justine Paul Rodolfo edged veteran national rider Ronald Oranza at the line to claim the MTB men’s open and Alyssa Ashley Jalipa got herself going in the final two laps to secure the women’s youth plum at the expense Shyrah Mae Rizalado.777peso
READ NEXT It may be a golden age for France in NBA Giemel Magramo wins OPBF title, Eman Bacosa stays unbeaten EDITORS' PICK PBA Finals a duel between 2 great minds steering 2 great sides Heart Evangelista: Woman to woman, I never had a problem with Pia Wurtzbach Central Visayas’ most wanted killed in shootout in Argao, Cebu UPDATES: 2025 elections precampaign stories Garcia restores original Sinulog theme for 2025, drops Rama’s plan Kristine gets nearer; Metro Manila, 42 other areas under Signal No. 1 MOST READ DILG identifies 38 hotspots ahead of 2025 polls LIVE UPDATES: Tropical Storm Kristine Marcos smiled, walked away when asked about VP Duterte's accusation NBA: Wizards' Corey Kispert agrees to 4-year, $54M deal View comments