By ADRIAN STEWART CO
Adrian Nacario of Team Go For Gold emerged as the overall champion in the MassKaralympics and KambyaDos Racing Team MTB XCO Race 2025, ruling the Open Category held at the Manggahan Playground XCO Course in Bacolod City’s Barangay Granada.
The Iloilo City native outpedaled more than 250 cyclists from Bacolod, Negros Oriental, Iloilo, Guimaras, Antique, and Manila to capture the P15,000 top prize and the championship trophy.
Aldren Alom Alojado of Bago City and the KambyaDos Racing Team finished second, while Thirdy Mana-ay of Iloilo placed third.
In the age group divisions, Kendrick Mahilum topped the 13-and-under category, followed by Arvin Casiple and Gabo.
Renz Suarez ruled the 16-and-under class, with Jude Colenn Bacus and Kirt Gargarino completing the podium.
Mana-ay also shone in the 17 to 19 division, beating Jethro Camus and Kirby Soberano, while Roderick Punzalan reigned in the 20 to 29 class ahead of Nacario and Steven Luage.
Alojado dominated the 30 to 39 bracket, followed by Romnick and Edwin Nacario, Jr.
In the 40 to 49 category, Ryan Javello topped the field, with Rey Jun Besuena and Gilbert Ravello placing second and third.
Rodrigo Egualan ruled the 50 to 59 division, with Nody Villalba and Ernesto Parohinog behind him.
In the women’s division, Jwynn Muyco bagged the crown, while Danna Barizo and Erica Parohinog took the next two spots.
The LGBTQIA+ Category was ruled by Mosiah Baldonado, with JM Monaya and Ronald Gape completing the winners’ list.
Tournament Director and KambyaDos Racing Team Founder Mark Anthony Nicavera said the event’s success reflected the growing strength of the local cycling community.
“We are blessed with good weather today, and we’re very thankful for that because October is usually the rainy season,” Nicavera said.
“We made sure our race course was safe and bikeable for everyone. We welcome riders from Negros, Iloilo, Guimaras, Antique, and even Manila,” he said.
“It’s our joy and mission at KD Racing Team to give riders the best racing experience and bring happiness through sports. We’re preparing for a much bigger race next year,” he added.
The mountain bike cross-country event, organized by the KambyaDos Racing Team in partnership with the City of Bacolod and the Bacolod Gugma Foundation Inc., served as one of the major sporting highlights of the ongoing MassKara Festival 2025./ASC, WDJ