John Andre Aguja, best in Asia, zooms to No. 11th in UCI world men’s junior mountain bike rankings
FILIPINO cyclist John Andre Aguja is making a historic ride for glory as he zoomed to 11th in the world men’s junior mountain bike rankings of the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI), or the International Cycling Federation.
The prodigious teenage rider from Iriga City amassed 222 points after a string of victories in Coupe de Japon MTB in Yawatahama, Japan, Siol MTB Challenge in Korea, Thailand MTB Cup 1 and the Philippine National MTB Xco Championships in Danao City, Cebu. It was made more impressive that Mr. Aguja is the highest Asian in the list with Japanese Yuta Ochino coming in as the second best in the region at 40th.
And Go for Gold, which has fueled Mr. Aguja’s magnificent ascent, is aiming to send its ward to bigger, stronger races abroad.
“Was I surprised with the latest ranking? No. John Andre (Aguja) was just special since the first time we saw him. We knew he’d go places,” said Go for Gold founder Jeremy Go, whose group has also supported chess, basketball, volleyball, sepak takraw, triathlon, duathlon and aquathlon among others.
“We’re still not happy, we still want more for John Andre (Aguja) and we believe that with his talent, skill set, obedience, humility and perseverance.”
“He simply mirrors the talent the Filipinos have when it comes to cycling and we want to further harness that. This is not a success for John Andre (Aguja) nor Go for Gold alone, this is for the country,” he added.
Mr. Go also thanked the backing provided for by their partners — Scratchit, Rudy Project, Storck Bikes, Chris Sports, Science in Sport, Neo Zigma, Shimano Philippines, Maxxis Tires, Mad Crank, CCn Philippines, Booster C, Gatorade, Magene, Exar and Supacaz.
“We need support from these sponsors and I am grateful because in less than a year, we are able to go beyond our initial target for our MTB riders. You see, John Andre (Aguja) is not just a world-class rider in our stable. We hope a Filipino invasion of world MTB will come in very soon,” said Mr. Go. — Joey Villar