THE Philippine leg of the qualifiers for this year’s Red Bull Pump Track World Championship was successfully held at the weekend with some of the country’s top biking talents converging at The Bike Playground at Circulo Verde in Quezon City.
The second leg of the world tour, the Manila qualifiers saw 42 local riders pit their skills in the challenging surface of the bike park to earn a spot in the world final where the Pump Track World Champion will be named later this year.
Emerging as the winner in the men’s category was Jerich Farr, who bested Oscar Acdol Jr. and Parabanne Mendoza, the second and third placers, respectively.
Over at the women’s category it was Denise Belgira who took top spot, followed by Nur Nasthasia Nadiah and Janele Saulog.
Mr. Farr and Ms. Belgira showcased their impressive skills across the rollers, corners and jumps of The Bike Playground during the day-long event on March 23.
After the Manila leg of the qualifiers, the Red Bull Pump Track World Championship moves to Roma, Lesotho, later this week.
Incidentally, the qualifier was held in conjunction with the second anniversary celebration of The Bike Playground, the country’s first and only bike park.
The park’s first-rate facilities were brought to life by Velosolutions, a globally renowned pump track designer and builder headed by mountain bike luminary and international designer Claudio Calouri. The group offers customized solutions for various cycling needs.
Through its offerings which include bike rentals and assistance from experienced bikers, The Bike Playground promotes cycling as an activity that can be enjoyed by all.
The bike park features the country’s first asphalt pump track housed in a 36 x 21-meter warehouse. Being indoors, the unique pump track is still useful even during the rainy season. An outdoor trail and a kids’ track diversifies the list of offerings that make the park an exciting space for everyone. The Bike Playground is also part of the upcoming Circulo Verde Sports Hub, an active lifestyle destination that also includes a basketball court and football field called CV Pitch. — Michael Angelo S. Murillo
