SEA Games: Caluag vows stronger showing in BMX, eyes race gold

TAGAYTAY CITY – Olympian and former Asian Games gold medalist Daniel Caluag vowed to deliver a stronger showing in the track race on Tuesday after missing out on a medal in the individual time trial at the start of BMX action in the Southeast Asian Games at the newly-constructed bike track here.

Caluag, the most experienced rider in the field, finished fourth with the time of 32.689 seconds in the event ruled by Thailand’s Komet Sukprasert in 32.038 seconds.

The silver went to Indonesia’s Toni Syufarudin in 32.56, while another Thai Sitthichok Kaewsrikhao took the bronze in 32.601.

“I felt great leading to the event,” said the 32-year-old Caluag, who saw action in the 2012 London Olympics before winning a gold in the Incheon Asian Games two years later.

“It’s just unfortunate what happened today. I made a mistake in the second straightaway and came in fourth. That’s racing. Not what I planned. But we’re going to pick up where we left off and plan for tomorrow.”

Caluag and younger brother, CJ, are also the country’s bets for the BMX race on Tuesday when Sukprasert will also be gunning for a second gold medal.

“We’re going to take it one step at a time and one race at a time and hopefully we’ll achieve big things tomorrow,” said Caluag, who noted the improvement of Thailand and Indonesian riders.

“The level has gone up tremendously since BMX started in 2011. Thailand and Indonesia have stepped up their game and have been training at world-class levels.”