Olympic-dreaming rider takes first stage | Inquirer Sports

Olympic-dreaming rider takes first stage

By: - Reporter / @junavINQ
/ 05:15 AM May 25, 2019

Nursing an Olympic dream, Ismael Grospe of Go For Gold Philippines Continental Cycling Team seized the opening stage of the PRURide PH 2019.

“It was a difficult race, but I know that winning will help me move closer to realizing my dream of representing our country in the Olympics,” said Grospe in Filipino after topping the 130.4-kilometer race in Subic.

Article continues after this advertisement

The 20-year-old best young rider of the 2019 Ronda Pilipinas punched the air as he bested the international field of 156 cyclists from 18 continental teams in three hours, 15 minutes and 47.08 seconds.

FEATURED STORIES

Grospe, who will wear the red PRU Life UK jersey on Saturday’s second stage as the overall leader, also grabbed the blue CCN jersey for best Filipino cyclist and the black Rudy Project jersey (best under-23 rider) for good measure.

He also made Go For Gold godfather Jeremy Go more proud after picking up the green Robinsons Bank jersey for sprint points classification during the race made challenging by the hilly terrain in Morong, Bataan, and wind-swept ride from Hermosa town onwards.

Article continues after this advertisement

“I always want to become a champion and achieve the things that my cycling idols had accomplished,” said Grospe, a fan of British cycling icon Chris Hoy, whom he met in London during the PRURide 2017 edition.

Article continues after this advertisement

Hoy, the most decorated cyclist of all time, has won six gold medals in the Olympics and 11 world championship titles.

“I hope to win a medal [in the Olympics and in the world championships] someday. But for now, my immediate goal is to qualify for Tokyo (2020 Olympics),” Grospe said.

Korean rider Gong Hyo-suk of LX Cycling Team placed second overall, just a split second behind the lap winner.

Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again.
Your subscription has been successful.

Subscribe to our daily newsletter

By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy.

TAGS: PRURide PH 2019

Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again.
Your subscription has been successful.

Subscribe to our newsletter!

By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy.

© Copyright 1997-2024 INQUIRER.net | All Rights Reserved

This is an information message

We use cookies to enhance your experience. By continuing, you agree to our use of cookies. Learn more here.