For the first time in MTB history, a Filipino rider has taken a prominent spot in the UCI world rankings.
This achievement follows rising Go for Gold MTB star John Andre Aguja’s 11th placing in the latest list of top performers for Men’s Junior.
Accumulating a total of 222 points after securing gold medal victories in the Coupe de Japon MTB in Yawatahama, Japan (May), Siol MTB Challenge in Korea (August), Thailand MTB Cup 1 (March), and the Philippine National MTB XCO Championships (July), Aguja is now on par with the world’s best.
He also holds the highest rank among Asians in the UCI tallyboard, as Japanese rider Yuta Ochino only managed a 40th placing with 124 points.
Meanwhile, the top spot in the ranking is held by Swiss rider Nicolas Halter, who is anticipated to face Aguja in future international races, as Go for Gold plans to expose Aguja to bigger competitions beyond Asia.
“Was I surprised with the latest ranking? No. John Andre was just special since the first time we saw him. We knew he’d go places,” said Go for Gold founder Jeremy Go shortly after the rankings were released.
“We’re still not happy, we still want more for John Andre and believe that with his talent, skill set, obedience, humility, and perseverance, mas marami pang mararating ang bata. He simply mirrors the talent the Filipinos have when it comes to cycling and we want to harness that further,” added Go who is also throwing support for Pinoy athletes in chess, volleyball, basketball, speak takraw, basketball, triathlon, duathlon, aquathlon among others.
“This is not a success for John Andre nor Go for Gold alone, this is for the country.”
Go expresses gratitude for the support from Go for Gold partners like 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.
Without their backing, the riders would face challenges sustaining campaigns abroad.
“Magastos din kasi. So we need support from these sponsors and I am grateful because, in less than a year, we were able to go beyond our initial target for our MTB riders. You see, John Andre is not just a world-class rider in our stable, marami pa sila. We hope a Filipino invasion in world MTB will come in very soon,” said Go.
