Go for Gold bikefest hits road

After finding several hidden gems in the previous two races, the Go For Gold Criterium Race Series 3 kicks off Sunday to discover fresh cycling talents in Mindanao.

General Santos City, the home of former senator and global boxing icon Manny Pacquiao, will host the third and last leg of the series this year in a high-octane, one-day bikathon where promising riders from the region are expected to emerge.

“Aside from organizing safe and well-run races in order to elevate the sport of cycling in the Philippines, these races serve as talent identification,” Go For Gold founder Jeremy Go said.

With a projected participation of 500 cyclists from 10 categories, the third phase of the three-leg series supported by event partners Go For Gold PH, SCRATCHIT, PhilCycling, General Santos City and Manny Pacquiao aims to bring back the animated local atmosphere in cycling.

Seasoned rider Jan Paul Morales ruled the men’s elite race during the successful Go For Gold Criterium Race Series 2 in Cebu City last July as a slew of two-wheeled talents from the Visayas showcased their full potential.

The series opener in Clark, Pampanga early this year was likewise a smashing success with prized finds 17-year-old Marvin Mandac from Batangas and Marco Lumanog from Pangasinan among the several discoveries.

“We’re trying to grow the sport of cycling and also trying to professionalize it. That’s why we always work hand in hand with PhilCycling,” said Go, the cycling godfather who has been supporting nearly 200 riders, including the 26-man Go For Gold Cycling Team.

Excitement will fill the air as entries in men elite, women open, men U23, men junior, men youth, MTB elite, MTB men junior, men 40-up, men 30-39, manager category negotiates a 1.4-kilometer loop in front of the General Santos City hall for the prized Go For Gold Race Series trophy.

“Gen San is the home of champions and we are thrilled to have the Go For Gold Race Series 3 in our city,” General Santos City administrator Atty. Franklin “Jeng” Gacal said.

Cash prizes for the top three finishers in each category are at stake plus a finely-crafted trophy with the champion in the men’s elite set to receive P20,000. Participation fee is P410 with the registration open via https://go-for-gold-ph.myshopify.com/pages/race-series.