A New Year beckons a whole new calendar of sporting events for athletes to prove themselves.
For 15-year-old Brylle Chavez Cochin, however, he will start the year with a debut stint in the 2013 Batang Pinoy National Championships set January 28 to February 1 in Bacolod City.
He admitted his pre-game jitters, saying, "Naay kulba gamay kay wala pa ko nakadula ug taga-Manila, (I'm a little anxious since I haven't raced against Manila riders yet)." But he was steady when he said, "Andam na ko. (I'm ready)."
At such a young age, he has already accomplished more that what was expected of him since learning the sport in 2011.
The year 2013 proved to be a good year for him having reaped top honors Mayor Joseph R. Peñas Mountain and BMX Bike Challenge in Digos City and in the Lumba Bisiklita sa Kadayawan in Davao City. He ended the year with a third finish in the Padyakan sa Pasko race held in December.
Brylle takes his training seriously as he bikes every other day. He trains for races by going on long rides, waking up as early as 5 a.m. to bike going to Ma-a all the way to Tagum City or sometimes to Laak.
But the Ma-a National High School student makes sure that cycling doesn't get in the way of his studies, making sure to set time for training and for schooling. He only trains in the afternoon when he has no classes. He has also started jogging to improve his endurance for upcoming Bacolod nationals.
Brylle trains even if he has no upcoming races, saying, "Sige parin ako practice para palagi akong handa."
He is all the more prepared for races with the support that he gets from being a member of the Rody Duterte Cycling Team.
He was signed up by PhilCycling deputy secretary for Mindanao Salvador "Jun" Paholio Jr. for the team during the time of former Mayor Inday Sara Duterte-Carpio. The team, according to him, has been helping his development as an athlete, particularly in his training and supplying him with vitamins.
Brylle said he looks up to fellow Team Duterte riders Dexter Nonato and Junrey Navarra, whom he said were instrumental to his growth as a rider, saying, "Dati hindi talaga ako nakakaabot sa kanila (rival racers), pero nung pinapraktis ako nila Kuya Dexter, nakita ko yung lakas ko."
His grandfather, Jun Chavez, is also an avid supporter, saying his Lolo was one of the reasons he began cycling in the first place. The latter also went into competitive cycling in his younger years and now helps Brylle with his bike parts whenever he competes.
The young rider also shared that one of his dreams in cycling is to win the Ronda Pilipinas, the biggest cycling stage race in the country.
He urged other young athletes like him to hold on to their dreams. "Ayaw lang gyud mo ug bitaw, para makuha ninyo inyong goal (Don't give up so you will reach your goals)."
He may face stiff challenges ahead of him but a promising cycling career awaits him as he keeps his good work ethic and receives full support from his family, coaches and teammates.