Mendoza races way to elite title in Go For Gold Criterium Series 3 cycling tilt

GENERAL SANTOS CITY, Philippines — Aidan James Mendoza hardly flinched despite the slippery terrain to claim the men’s elite title of the Go For Gold Criterium Race Series 3.

The fearless sprinter from the Go For Gold Continental Cycling Team cut loose from the peloton early amid the incessant rains and won his two-man sprint versus Jun Rey Navarra in a thrilling finish.

Marc Ryan Lago, another Go For Gold Continental Cycling Team standout, checked in third, just four seconds after the winner crossed the line, rewarding their squad a double celebration on the podium.

“Masarap ang pakiramdam na naipanalo namin itong karera para sa Go For Gold,” said Mendoza after clocking 45 minutes and 56 seconds in completing the 1.4-kilometer loop in front of the city hall which the peloton rode for 40 minutes plus an additional three laps.

“Sa umpisa pa lang alam kong magiging mahirap kaya ginawan ko agad ng paraan para kumawala,” added the 25-year-old multiple podium finisher in international races, including placing third in a stage at the Tour of Thailand this year.

MTB junior rider John Andre Aguja, another Go For Gold star, likewise made his team proud by seizing the MTB junior men’s crown while Kate Yasmin Velasco of Standard Insurance ruled the women’s open after racing for 25 minutes plus three laps.

Cyclists from all over Mindanao came to race despite the weather in this third and last phase of the Go For Gold Criterium Race Series this year supported by event partners Go For Gold PH, Scratchit, PhilCycling, General Santos City and world boxing icon and former Sen. Manny Pacquiao.

“Our races are organized to give more opportunities for our local riders. For sure we will have more legs next year where we can hopefully find more upcoming cyclists,’’ said Go For Gold founder Jeremy Go.

Backing Series 3 of the three-phase race are SPNCYCLE, CYCLE LAB, MAGENE, KALOS PH, Surecom, Strong Group Athletics, Midas Smart Resources Inc., MVP Sports Foundation, DPWH and PSO with Gatorade as official hydration partner and Booster C as official energy shot provider.

Go For Gold’s Marvin Mandac again topped the men’s junior race in 20 minutes and 47 seconds, defeating teammates Aguja