By MARK REY MONTEJO
SAN MATEO, Rizal – With his daredevil-kind of driving, Emmanuel Dave Montemayor conquered the track of the Timberland Heights as expected and ruled 2025 7-Eleven Trail Series Cross-Country Marathon for the third straight year on Sunday, Feb. 23, here.
The 24-year-old Montemayor negotiated the 40-kilometer journey in 1 hour, 47 minutes and six seconds to beat fellow James Carl Dela Cruz by a whisker in the 9th edition of the annual bikefest that attracted more than 1,400 cyclists.
The title win was the fourth overall for the Meycauayan native since launching his career in the age-group division in 2019.
Dela Cruz clocked 1:47:07 while Jerico Rivera settled for third in 1:48:29 for silver and bronze, respectively, in the 40-kilometer male overall event.
“Medyo nahirapan po kasi maraming ahon and humaba, pero buti naman naraos po kahit medyo dikit lang ang laban,” said Montemayor.
“Sabi po nila malakas daw po ako sa ahon, kaya pinatuyan ko lang po, and part narin po ‘to ng preparation ko sasali rin po sa Tagaytay (National Open),” he added.
Montemayor will compete in the road event of the PhilCycling National Championships in Tagaytay City which kicks off Monday, Feb. 24.
There, the STI standout is going for podium finish in hopes of realizing his dream of earning a spot in the Philippine team.
Quinoñes wins back-to-back title
Meanwhile, Nicole Quinoñes likewise reaffirmed her mastery of the course to win the Female Open class for the second straight year.
Fresh from a training camp in Indonesia, the 23-year-old Quinoñes shrugged off timed in 2 hours, 12 minutes and 40 seconds to secure the gold after overpowering veteran Shagne Yaoyao (2:12:41). Adel Pia Sendrijas posted 2:16:07 to take home the bronze.
Just like Montemayor, Quinoñes, daughter of former national team member Eboy, will take part in the National Open.
In the 16-18 Male race, Cleo Dale Morales emerged triumphant as he clocked
2:01:30. Laurent Briel Ballog (2:01:34) and Jan Alfred Ong (2:03:27) wound up second and third, respectively.
“I think we made a positive impact on Philippine cycling… I feel like I owe a lot to cycling in terms of keeping me healthy, motivated and keeping the mind fresh,” said Philippine Seven Corp. president and CEO Victor Paterno. “I think it’s a healthy thing for everybody.”
