THE Citywide Cycling Association of Davao (Cicad) Dabaw commended city riders Richard "Chino" Handumon Jr., Dion and Tristan "Tan-tan" Pinton for reaping honors in the recently-concluded Asia Mountain Bike Series held at the Picnic Grounds in Clark, Pampanga.

Cicad Dabaw president Gilbert Ariaz, in a phone interview with SunStar Davao, congratulated Handumon, Pinton and Liza Abellana for giving their best in the international event that also attracted riders from Kazakhstan, Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia, Taiwan and Philippines.

"Our support has always been there for these athletes and will continue to help (them) in their future competitions," Ariaz said.

Handumon of Team Ginrich-UM took home the gold medal in the cross country marathon event by clocking two hours, eight minutes and five seconds.

He prevailed Mathew Symon Quiñones of Celeste Cycles (2:12:06) and Pinton of Team Wadab Racing (2:24:37) who accounted for silver and bronze, respectively.

Handumon, however, placed 10th in the cross country Olympic event.

He thought of all his sacrifices during his preparations for the tournament before the race as well as the expenses of his parents in his sport.

"Sacrifices like, I have to take an evening class at the University of Mindanao just to train in the morning. Even late night na kaayo ko makauli sa school," the Batang Pinoy multi-gold medalist said, adding that he motivates himself to go through the daily challenges of being a student-athlete.

Abellana, meanwhile, did not finish in the ladies division.

Ariaz, for his part, urged the Davao City Government and private sectors to support these local cyclists.