John Andre Aguja first Filipino in World’s top 10

John Andre Aguja. –HANDOUT PHOTO

John Andre Aguja has sustained a consistent climb to the summit of the global rankings after reasserting his mastery in the juniors of the Thailand Mountain Bike (MTB) Cup 1, the first Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) race of the year.

The 18-year-old mountain bike specialist zoomed to eighth overall in the UCI world junior rankings with a total output of 242 points accumulated since the 2023 season, making Aguja the first Filipino to break into the top 10 of his league.

Though making history, Aguja, riding for the Go For Gold Cycling Team, isn’t really concerned about the global placings.

READ: Rising cyclists John Aguja, Thirdy Mana-ay shine brightest in national championships

“While it’s nice to go up the rankings, I don’t think about it that much. I prefer to focus on winning more individual races and gold medals for the country,’’ said Aguja in Filipino.

Joining Aguja on the podium in Thailand was another Go For Gold junior rider in Justine Anastacio, who checked in third.

From 11th overall in the world prior to the 2024 UCI season, Aguja jumped past Spain’s Hugo Franco Gallego (238), Nikolai Hougs of Denmark (237) and Omar Wilson of South Africa (235).

Switzerland’s Nicolas Halter has been leading the pack with 434 points with Denmark’s Albert Philipsen (422) breathing down his neck while Nicolas Konecny of the United States is safely nestled at third overall with 395.

“I hope I can compete in bigger races, especially in world cycling. I promise to become even better and push myself past my limits,’’ said Aguja, whose international stints are backed heavily by Scratchit and Go For Gold.