BY MARK REY MONTEJO
Filipino rising star John Andre Aguja boosted his world ranking after retaining his crown in the Thailand MTB Cup Juniors on Wednesday, Jan. 16, in Kanchanaburi.
Aguja, a PNG and Batang Pinoy multi titlist, bested nine other competitors from five countries, including partner Justine Anastacio by listing 56:36.745 minutes in the four-lap race over the 4.5-kilometer course
With the win, the Pride of Iriga City jumped from No. 11 to No. 8 in the latest UCI World Men’s Junior rankings as he tallied 242 points ahead of Spain’s Hugo Franco Gallego (238, 9th), Denmark’s Nikolaj Hougs (237, 10th) and Omar Wilson of South Africa (235, 11th).
It is the highest spot achieved by any Filipino or Asian in the division, the closest to him is Japan’s Yuta Uchino (124) at 40th place.
Meanwhile, Anastacio settled for bronze in the same category while Adrian Nacario and James Carl Dela Cruz pocketed silver and bronze, respectively, in the Men’s U-23 event.
In the distaff side, Urika Iwayan and Diannah Costes placed 6th and 7th.
On the other hand, world ranked no. 147 Shagne Yaoyao ended up 7th in the Women Elite category while Jwyn Muyco finished at 11th. Nicole Quinones and Diannah Costes took 14th and 16th position.
