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Cycling: Butuan's Lapaza wins first ever UCI Gravel World Series PH event

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ABS-CBN News

Butuan native Riemon Lapaza emerged as the top placer in the 2022 UCI Gravel World Series Philippines despite sustaining a flat tire near the finish line.Lapaza, competing in the men’s 35-39 years old category, clocked at 3:06:46.7 in this 85-km race.“Two kilometers mula sa finish line nung na-flat ang gulong ko,” recounted Lapaza who used his experience as someone who has ridden bikes his whole life and his work at a bike shop. “Pinatakbo ko na lang &#x27;yung bike ko kasi may hangin pa ng konti.”<ul class="op-related-articles">	<li><a href="https://news.abs-cbn.com/ancx/drive/cars-and-bikes/06/05/21/heres-a-wishlist-for-manilas-biking-community-from-two-guys-who-bike-a-lot">Here’s a wishlist for Manila’s biking community, from two guys who bike a lot</a></li></ul>The first-ever leg of this off-road cycling event under the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) kicked off last April 3 in Bongabon, Nueva Ecija, a picturesque municipality that has become a favorite destination within the global biking community for the past few years.“Natuwa ako kasi first time hetong event na ito sa Pilipinas at lalo na ako excited na maka-compete sa ibang bansa,” he added of his feat and what lies ahead of him in the World Series. <ul class="op-related-articles">	<li><a href="https://news.abs-cbn.com/spotlight/12/14/20/when-the-trains-stopped-cyclists-dodged-manilas-choking-traffic">When the trains stopped, cyclists dodged Manila’s choking traffic</a></li></ul>Dutchman Rick Nobel placed first in the men’s 19-34 category, while Mellisa Jane Jaroda topped the women’s 19-34 category and ranked first among female racers with 3:39:00.639.Close to 400 riders were in attendance, all vying for the chance to finish the qualifier and awarded with a finisher medal. The top 25% of each rider category earned a UCI qualifying medal and automatically made it to the UCI World Championships.

Butuan native Riemon Lapaza emerged as the top placer in the 2022 UCI Gravel World Series Philippines despite sustaining a flat tire.