Foiled in the track events last week, veteran rider Alvin Benosa came back strong yesterday by ruling the mountain bike cross-country qualifying race in wire-to-wire fashion to clinch a spot in the Philippine Team bound for the Asian Games in Guangzhou, China.
Pulling away early, Benosa efficiently negotiated the challenging and treacherous 44-km route in Bagong Buhay, Tagaytay City, crossing the finish line in an hour and 13.75 seconds to stun former Southeast Asian Games champion Niño Surban, who came in second after checking in 20 seconds later.
McQuinn Aleonar was third, finishing 55 seconds behind Benosa, while Eusebio Quiñones took the last qualifying spot by finishing fourth, a minute and 47 seconds behind the winner.
“I was facing tough competition, but I thought this was my best chance of making the team,” said Benosa.
Among those who have already clinched Asiad spots are Warren Davadilla, Arnold Marcelo, Ronnel Hualda, Nilo Estayo and Reinhard Gorantes.