Young cyclists seize criterium spotlight

Cyclists start their ride in Tagaytay. —CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

Young riders from Iloilo, Narvacan, and Pangasinan dominated the opening day of the PhilCycling National Championships for Road, winning Criterium golds in Tagaytay City.

Allaeza Mae Gulmatico and Maria Louisse Crisselle Alejado secured victories in the Women’s Youth 1 and 2 categories, giving Iloilo an early lead in the five-day event organized by PhilCycling under Philippine Olympic Committee president Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino.

Article continues after this advertisement

Gulmatico topped the 16-and-under race, held on a 2.1-kilometer circuit near the Tagaytay City Atrium. Joanna Mae Armendez claimed silver, while Jems Lucas took bronze. In Youth 2, Maritanya Krogg earned silver behind Alejado, while Yvaine Osias finished third.

Pangasinan’s Jazmine Kaye Vinoya captured the Women’s Junior gold in a 20-minute-plus-three-lap race, edging Yvonne Alejado and Eloiza Pajarito. Narvacan’s CJ Cabreros won the Men’s Youth 1 class, beating fellow Ilocos Sur rider Joelian Abdul Hamid.

READ: Iloilo teenager turns cycling pastime into golden moment

Article continues after this advertisement

Raven Vidaz led the finishers in Men’s Youth 1 alongside Jerick Cabael and Silmar Khen Silao, while Nheytan Pascua, Nathan Omana, and Justine Yu swept the Men’s Youth 2 podium.