The scenic Kankana-ey town of Besao, located in the Mountain Province of the Cordilleras region of the Philippines, recently hosted its highly anticipated 2nd annual Tour of Besao: MTB Challenge. Spearheaded by Samuel Tanan Egsaen Jr. in collaboration with DepEd Besao, the local government unit (LGU), and various community partners, this cycling event was not just about competition but also about giving back to the community by supporting the restoration of the Besao Central School grounds.
Held alongside the lively Ubaya Festival of Besao, the Tour of Besao brought together cycling enthusiasts from diverse backgrounds on March 2, 2024. The event was a resounding success, attracting riders united by their love for cycling and their commitment to the local community.
A Day of Competitive Spirit and Camaraderie
The event commenced with on-site registration and accommodation arrangements at the Besao Central School on March 1, setting the stage for an exciting race. Participants received race bibs and commemorative t-shirts, signaling their readiness for the challenges ahead.
The race route, carefully planned to showcase Besao's natural beauty while providing a challenging course, stretched from Kin-iway through Banao, Suquib, and various other locales. The course included a 2km off-road segment from Padangaan to Sakkaan and a challenging 1.8km ascent from Sakkaan to Kin-iway, testing the cyclists' skills and endurance.
Recognition and Rewards
The Tour of Besao offered generous prizes and perks to participants. With a registration fee of P1,000, participants enjoyed three meals, a snack, complimentary lodging, souvenir shirts, and assured cash prizes across all categories. Cash rewards ranged from P4,000 for champions to P500 for 5th place finishers.
In addition to cash prizes, top finishers received meticulously crafted trophies, while medals were awarded to those placing 4th to 10th, highlighting the event's commitment to excellence and achievement.
Final and Official Results
The race concluded with outstanding performances across various categories, with cash prizes recognizing the top achievers. Champions received 4,000 PHP, while second-place finishers earned 3,000 PHP, third-place finishers secured 2,000 PHP, and fourth-place finishers garnered 1,000 PHP. Participants placing 5th received 500 PHP.
In the 17 Years Old and Below category, cash prizes extended to 6th to 10th place, with each receiving 500 PHP. However, in other categories, cash prizes were awarded only up to the 5th position. Special awards, each accompanied by a cash prize of 1,000 PHP, added further excitement to the event.
Female Open Category (14 Registrants but only 2 survived the race)
| Rank | Name | Hometown |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Fernalyn Hidalgo | Bambang, Nueva Vizcaya |
| 2 | Crisanta Salas | Piat, Cagayan |
17 Years Old and Below Category
| Rank | Name | Hometown |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Jemuel Aggalao | Tabuk City |
| 2 | John Ashley Merculio | Sinait, Ilocos Sur |
| 3 | Gregory Jade Coloma | Tabuk City |
| 4 | Gwen Coteng | La Trinidad, Benguet |
| 5 | Xander Lee Sales | La Trinidad, Benguet |
| 6 | Shankurt Lucio | Santol, La Union |
| 7 | Zhander Zeen Subang | Bontoc, Mt. Province |
| 8 | Ferdinand Dicdican | Besao, Mt. Province |
| 9 | Heinrich Palangeo | Besao, Mt. Province |
| 10 | Sam Lestat Angcaway | Besao, Mt. Province |
18 - 29 Years Old Category
| Rank | Name | Hometown |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Anthony Morales | Baguio City |
| 2 | Jofer Cuyob | Tabuk City |
| 3 | Allan Jhay Tupasi | Sinait, Ilocos Sur |
| 4 | Keith Mendisar | Baguio City |
| 5 | John Carlo Barbado | Sinait, Ilocos Sur |
| 6 | Matt Andrei Quirino | Batac, Ilocos Norte |
| 7 | Jemart Apaan | La Trinidad, Benguet |
| 8 | Ephraim Inigo | Sinait, Ilocos Sur |
| 9 | Kirby Ciano | Baguio City |
| 10 | Arjayvie Velasco | Bambang, Nueva Vizcaya |
30 - 39 Years Old Category
| Rank | Name | Hometown |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Nathaniel Uvero | Cabagan, Isabela |
| 2 | Gideon Rex Mayet-an | Baguio City |
| 3 | Ariesly Ngina | La Trinidad, Benguet |
| 4 | Heronimo Garcia | La Trinidad, Benguet |
| 5 | Albin Victore | La Trinidad, Benguet |
| 6 | Nazaer Dukiling | La Trinidad, Benguet |
| 7 | Brian Buma-a | La Trinidad, Benguet |
| 8 | Anjo Ambrosio | La Trinidad, Benguet |
| 9 | Jerson Gimmick | Bulanao, Tabuk City |
| 10 | Hiroshi Warren Angcaway | Besao, Mt. Province |
40 - 49 Years Old Category
| Rank | Name | Hometown |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Allan Tapuro | Cabugao, Ilocos Sur |
| 2 | Cube Spongklong | La Trinidad, Benguet |
| 3 | Andy Pindasan | La Trinidad, Benguet |
| 4 | Ernest Pacalso | La Trinidad, Benguet |
| 5 | Gerry Dayoan | Sinait, Ilocos Sur |
| 6 | Paul Soriano | San Juan, La Union |
| 7 | Lourance Baguilat | Baguio City |
| 8 | Timothy Paul Sumeg-ang | Baguio City |
| 9 | Dimas Comicho, Jr. | Bonton, Mt. Province |
| 10 | Ariel Subang | Bontoc, Mt. Province |
50 - 59 Years Old Category
| Rank | Name | Hometown |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Benjie Abalos | La Trinidad, Benguet |
| 2 | Melvin Odsey | Besao, Mt. Province |
| 3 | Estin Awingan | Baguio City |
| 4 | Antz Tal | Baguio City |
| 5 | Fermin Nalitom | Baguio City |
| 6 | William Tulas | La Trinidad, Benguet |
| 7 | Oliver Fernandez | San Fernando City, La Union |
| 8 | Oliver Paculan | Besao, Mt. Province |
| 9 | Nelson Salinas | La Trinidad, Benguet |
| 10 | Frederic Cortez | Baguio City |
Special Awards
| Award | Recipient | Hometown |
|---|---|---|
| Youngest Male Biker | Jhaxia Jay Egsaen | Besao, Mt. Province |
| Youngest Male Finisher | Sam Lestat Angcaway | Besao, Mt. Province |
| Oldest Male Finisher | Col. Ernest Gaab | Besao, Mt. Province |
| Youngest Female Finisher | Fernalyn Hidalgo | Nueva Vizcaya |
| Oldest Female Finisher | Crisanta Salas | Piat, Cagayan |
| Last Biker to Arrive | Fr. Mardevic Dicdican | Besao, Mt. Province |
| Biker From the Farthest Place | Jarwyn Banatao | Cavite |
A Communal Triumph
The 2nd Tour of Besao was more than a bike race; it was a manifestation of community spirit, where every pedal stroke contributed to a greater cause. The event's slogan, "Nakapadyak ka na, nakatulong ka pa," perfectly encapsulates the dual achievement of each participant-pushing their limits while aiding the Besao Central School.
Congratulations to all the winners and participants who, through their efforts, made a significant difference in the lives of the Besao community. As we look forward to future editions, the Tour of Besao stands as a beacon of hope, unity, and the enduring power of sport to enact positive change.
