Local rider and pride of Dumaguete, JR Barba dominated the mountains of Valencia by winning first place in both the Enduro Elite and Downhill Elite categories of the Taokas Cup 2017 Mountain Bike Festival held last weekend October 20-22, 2017.
The tremendous skills and courage of JR Barba showed more than 350 competitive mountain bikers from as far away as Zamboanga, Manila, Iloilo, Bohol, Malaysia and Canada, that JR Barba reigns supreme. Spectator and mountain bike fan Cobbie Palm exclaimed, “this was truly an amazing performance by JR through torrential rain and mud down the steep trails of upper Valencia on Saturday, and then to repeat it again on Sunday, he is a special talent we must support and promote.”
The turnout of riders despite the harsh weather did not deter the many excited mountain bikers to show up for the Avalanche race on Friday, but unfortunately, the winds and visibility up toward Timbao and Mampas were too much for the race organizers to release the riders at the starting line. The first race was cancelled but due to popular demand the race organizers allowed the riders to practice on the lower Camp Lookout trails.
The next day Saturday saw less rain and wind and the race organizers released the riders at the start line for the Enduro race. The riders did not hesitate to soak and muddy themselves in the rain racing down the mountain on three different race tracks one after the other to complete the race. Visiting racer Jared Farr said, “we come here to Valencia because these are among the best trails in the Philippines, this is heaven for mountain bike racing, rain or shine”. The race finish line offered race fans a thrill watching the riders ride down the long staircase from the Valencia Church to the Kiosk in the Park.
The final day Sunday slated two races, the Cross-Country race and the Downhill race. The weather had cleared up and rain and mud were no longer a factor. The Cross-Country race was dominated by visiting riders many who race for the Philippine national team. Philippine National Team coach Eusebio “Eboy” Quinones said, “It was important for the local riders to race beside national team riders to understand the highest level of racing, we come here to scout new talent for the Philippine Team.” The downhill race was very exciting for our local fans because they could cheer and witness the commanding performance by local rider and race champion JR Barba.
The Taokas Cup Asia 2017 extended heartfelt and deepest appreciation to the Province of Negros Oriental, particularly through the support of GSO Manager Kent Martinez, who facilitated the logistical needs of this important race and also to the City of Valencia through the City Tourism Officer Albert Tubal, who generously hosted and accommodated the race event on behalf of the City.
Reference: Wendell Barba 0915-463-7795.
Race Director Taokas Cup Asia 2017