Toughest conditions

CEBU’s top mountain bike rider is braving the cold in Lebanon as he and downhiller Joey Barba banner the country’s colors in the Asian Mountainbike Championships this Sunday.

“Grabe ang katugnaw diri karon. Mao na akong challenge karong Sunday,” said Surban, who arrived with Barba and coach Arjuna Saulo.

Surban will be competing in the cross- country competition, while Barba will be taking part in the downhill event.

Baskinta, a town in Lebanon, currently has a 16-degree weather—quite far from the scorching Philippine weather. It is expected to get colder by Sunday.

The town has, in recent years, slowly become a cycling destination in Asia with its terrains that are suitable for offroad trail.

Surban has been itching to get back into the Asian championship scene after missing it last year. “My passport was not updated and was not machine-readable so I could not get into China. That is why I’m hoping to make up for it this year,” said Surban.

“Paningkamutan gyud ni nako kay aside from tugnaw, high altitude sad ang race,” said Surban, who finished 13th overall in 2010.

Surban’s best finish in the Asian finals is eighth place both in China in 2007 and Bali in 2005.

Surban added that he is trying out a new strategy this year.

“My training has been more on intensity. I haven’t had a long ride since August. So let’s wait and see if this will work,” said Surban.

Surban added that he is setting his sights on top Japanese rider Kohei Yamamoto—the Olympian whom Surban almost defeated in a tournament in Langkawi last year.

Since then, Surban has been going after the chance of another head to head with Yamamoto.

There were actually two competitions that Surban was to choose from. He chose the one that Yamamoto will be taking part in.

“Aminado ko lisud kaayo na sila pildihon. Pero mas maayo man sad nga ichallenge nako ako self. Paninguhaon gyud na nako. Wa ta kahibaw. Lingin ang ligid,” said Surban.