Surban shortlisted

CEBU’S elite cross-country rider and reigning national MTB champion Niño Surban was named as one of the prospects to represent the country in the 2018 Asian Games in Indonesia, which is set on Aug. 18 to Sept. 2.

Oscar “Boying” Rodriguez Jr., vice-president of PhilCycling, the country’s governing body for cycling, told SunStar Cebu that he has endorsed Surban to Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) chairman and PhilCycling president Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino. “I gave four names: Niño (Surban) and Ariana Dormitorio for XCO and Jerich Farr and Lea Belgira for Downhill. I talked with (Tolentino) over the phone after the Asian Continental Championships. I told him these four riders have big chances for the 2019 Sea Games and I hope they would be given exposure in Asiad,” said Rodriguez.

Rodriguez said that though it was “verbally” approved by Tolentino, the last say will come from the Asiad head of delegation, Ormoc City Mayor Richard Gomez.

The 31-year-old Surban, a veteran of national and international competitions, said it would be an honor to represent the country in Asiad. If it pushes through, this would be the first Asian Games for Surban.

“I think I’m going to start my training next week. But I have to clear things first if I’m included in Asian Games so I can set my goal,” said Surban, who won a gold medal in the 2018 UCI National MTB Championships in Danao City a week ago.

The Talamban resident said that if given the chance, it would be an opportunity to test his wares against those of Asia’s top cross-country riders.

“Kohie Yamamoto of Japan and Iranian riders are on a different level. Lisod na sila apson. But I will really work hard on my training to get a good performance,” Surban said.

The MTB cross-country competition is part of the cycling games in Asiad. (RSC)