NO, 7 in the world.
National MTB junior rider and Go for Gold star John Andre Aguja continues to impress the international cycling community as he is now the highest-ever ranked Filipino in a UCI listing.
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Climbing four notches from last week’s UCI rankings for MTB juniors XCO, the 16-year old is now 7th in the world with 442 points, moving past Hugo Franco Gallego of Spain (↓4), Nikolai Hougs of Denmark (↓4) at Omar Wilson of South Africa (↓4).
Aguja’s sudden jump in the standings was because of his successful defense of his Thailand MTB Cup 1 in Kanchanburi last week.
To overhaul the lead of top-ranked Nicolas Halter of Switzerland (434 points), Aguja must join more UCI tournaments that offer bigger points to winners.
And this is what Go for Gold, through its sponsors Scratchit, Rudy Project Philippines, Booster C Energy Shot, Storck Bicycle GmbH, Storck Philippines, Neo Zigma PH, Shimano-Road, Maxxis Bicycles PH, Mad Crank, Science in Sport, Chris Sports, CCN Sport Philippines, Gatorade Philippines, Magene, #EXAR and SUPACAZ, is now preparing.
Go for Gold Sports founder and sports patron Jeremy Go said they are now coordinating with international cycling officials so they can map out a more comprehensive program for the pride of Iriga City.
“I am teary-eyed. This is more than what we expected for him. Akala namin 8th lang, ngayon 7th pa pala siya,” said Go, who has been monitoring the UCI website for the rankings update since Monday.
“Pero we really admire the God-given talent of John Andre kasi from the very start, this kid is full of surprises. Sino naman mag-aakala na after we discovered him last year, nasa world level na agad siya,” added the Scratchit Vice President for Marketing.
More Filipino riders on the rise
Aside from Aguja, Go for Gold’s other MTB riders showed marked improvements in thir respective rankings, thanks to the aggressive international campaign of the team.
Another junior cyclist Justine Anastacio, bronze winner in the last Thailand MTB Cup 1, jumped 63 slots to occupy the 134th position.
Adrian Nacario is now in 396 (↑86), James Carl dela Cruz (↑114) moves up to 550, Dhave Roa (↑42) is 729th, Mark Louwel Valderama (↑1) is 814th and veteran rider Jigo Mendoza (↑2) now 889th.
Go believes that if there is one sport where Filipinos can excel worldwide--- it’s got to be MTB.
“We have the equipment, we have the terrain, now we have discovered these talents. Philippines can definitely go places in international MTB. We just have to be more patient and diligent in sending these riders abroad for better exposure and training,” Go said.
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