Filipino cyclist members of the Ontario Pinoy Mountainbikers (OPM) have once again defended their title in the recently held 24 Hours of Summer Solstice held at Albion Hills Conservation Park in Caledon, Ontario, Canada last June 25-26.
The said event is North America’s largest 24-hour Mountainbike Festival and Relay Race.
OPM Vice President Edgar ‘Ambet’ Tolentino, who hails from Sitio Lourdes in Barangay San Francisco, Mabalacat City, said the team started racing in the event since 2012.
OPM pedalled up the first place on HumbleBee out of 134 teams under the Six to Ten Person Team category. Team members are Michael Ybanez, Jhun Alas-as, Marchel Recile, Tomm Generalao, John Paup Cruz, Michael Juguilon, Nelson Castro and Carloz Arnaiz.
WednesdayCrew also hit the top spot out of 16 teams under Four Person No Night Male category. Team members are Derek Hicks, Oliver Pangan, Gerald Hermosura and Zaldy Martinez.
“Quality is never an accident, it is always a result of hardwork, determination and dedication of each members. Team work, camaraderie and of course having fun are the key to the success of our organization,” Tolentino added.
Meanwhile, OPM’s Everything In It is on 9th place out of 20 teams for the Six to Ten Person Mixed Team category. Under Captain Eric Caliston are Barbara Caliston, Jonathan Demetillo, Luke Cortos, Emmanuel Cortos, Cristina Lastimado, Brian Ouano, Pedro Juam, Oliver Ignacio, Emma Ignacio and Poochie Libunao.
A total of 2,200 participants have gathered in this year’s 24 Hours of Summer Solstice 2022, some 250 individuals are Filipino-Canadians.
In 2021, OPM also won against 52 teams. Membership is open to seasoned racers, mountainbikers and recreational bikers. Visit their website at https://opmtb.ca for the registration.