Joshua Pacio, Team Lakay add mountain biking to training regimen

MANILA, Philippines — Joshua Pacio and the rest of Team Lakay didn’t use the coronavirus pandemic as an excuse to slack off in their training.

Instead, they found alternative ways to keep their fitness at a premium despite the country being on lockdown since March.

Apart from working out, Pacio and company have also gotten themselves into mountain biking, which is now part of their regular training regimen.

“I took up mountain biking because I saw kuya Edward (Kelly), kuya Geje (Eustaquio), and kuya Honorio (Banario) doing it,” said Pacio. “So I tried it way back then, but it took me two years to buy my own bike. I’ve only just now made it a regular thing. Now we all go biking together, and it’s a lot of fun.”

“Mountain biking is a leisure activity, but it’s also good for cardio exercise,” the ONE strawweight champion added.

Making their latest favorite past-time more worthwhile is they are treading through the picturesque scenery of Baguio City.

“What I love most about mountain biking is that you don’t really notice how physically tiring it is because you’re having so much fun. It’s especially fun riding up mountains and roads,” he said.

“Baguio City has some of the best scenic locations in the Philippines. It’s so refreshing to just take in nature. We also have the best weather in the country.”

Pacio also said mountain biking is another thing that brings the team together.

“Me, Danny (Kingad), Jeremy (Pacatiw), Jomar (Paac), kuya Geje, Edward, and Honorio all ride a lot. It’s one of the ways we bond. We ride together and experience the outdoors. It’s reenergizing and revitalizing, great for the mind and body.”