BIKE RACE. Cyclists prepare for the start of the Eliminator MTB Race held during the launch of the Pulilan Bike Trail in Bulacan on Monday (Dec. 14, 2020). The competition was scaled down to comply with the regulations of the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases. (Photo courtesy of the Municipality of Pulilan)
CITY OF MALOLOS, Bulacan – The local government of Pulilan and SM Center in the town launched on Monday a bike trail in the establishment's 2.1-hectare terrain through the staging of the Eliminator MTB Race.
SM Center Pulilan has gained popularity among locals and visitors alike as it became the new destination for riding and cycle sport.
Being the newest attraction, it was chosen as the perfect venue for the race with the opening of its bike trail.
Veronica B. Cunan, information officer of SM Pulilan, said they collaborated with the municipal government in staging the event.
“The race not only provided an exciting opportunity for cycling enthusiasts but also promoted camaraderie and sportsmanship as well as tourism,” Cunan said.
She said notable biker groups from Bulacan and nearby towns participated in the race.
The competition was scaled down to comply with regulations of the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF).
The participants showed their cycling prowess as they competed in the Pulilan League and Open League Category. The race was composed of three laps with a total length of 7.5 kilometers for the elimination and final rounds.
Bike enthusiasts were ecstatic as Ariana Dormitorio, the undisputed queen of Philippine mountain bike racing, conquered the trail and joined aspiring mountain bike racers on a spin-off race during the launch.
Dormitorio is a member of the Philippine national team, with notable achievements such as the three-time PH MTB National Champion, two-time Asia MTB Overall Champion, and 2018 Asian Mountainbike Championship U23 Gold Medalist.
Cunan said the event was the fruit of another successful collaboration between SM and the local government to promote sports and tourism.
“It also aims to advocate for a healthy lifestyle and environment-friendly activity while providing a safe, convenient, and enjoyable biking experience beyond the pandemic,” she added.
The cycling event was staged with the support of Pulilan's Municipal History, Arts, Culture and Tourism Office and United Pulilan Bikers. (PNA)
