15-year-old Cebuana wins silver, bronze in Philippine National Games cycling

Cebuana ace rider Ana Patricia Maximo (leading) (Photo from Maximo’s official Facebook page)

CEBU – Cebuana ace rider Ana Patricia Maximo of the Sacred Heart School-Hijas de Jesus won a silver and bronze medal in the 2015 Philippine National Games (PNG) cycling event in Rizal.

On the other hand, the Cebu Lady Dragons added another trophy to their growing collection after winning the gold medal in the women’s Rugby 7 event in the PNG with an easy 27-12 win over Manila.

Maximo won her first medal last Saturday after finishing third in the 56-kilometer first stage of the PNG, finishing the race in two hours and 22 minutes.

The grueling route covered an eight-kilometer climbed that taxed the riders.

Irish Wong of Olongapo got the gold in two hours and 20 minutes, while Joyce Ann Monton of Pasay City got the silver medal in two hours and 21 minutes.

On Sunday, the 15-year-old who also races for YKKbikes.

com, won her second medal after finishing second to Wong in the 10-kilometer Individual Time Trial.

“I was scared because the road was slippery but I kept on praying that I won’t fall off. I’m so happy I contributed two medals for Cebu City.

It’s hard to race outside of Cebu because of the travel. I also have to miss school but the sacrifice is all worth it,” said Maximo.

Maximo earned the silver medal in 29 minutes 58 seconds, while Wong again won the gold in 28 minutes 39 seconds. Toni Krog of Caloocan got the silver medal in 30 minutes and 42 seconds.

On the other hand, Lady Dragons coach Maggie Royo praised her team for their gold-medal run in the PNG, which serves as the Philippine Sports Commission’s selection process for members of the national team that will be sent to international competitions.

“It was great because the team showed great teamwork. Everybody did everything they had to do in their positions,” said Royo, who had Tonette Gamito as her assistant coach.

The Lady Dragons who won a gold medal were Mae Unn Ubaub, Evangeline AGbay, Monica Bolofer, Medea Mercado, Barbie Salida, Astrid Sadaya, Jessica Asentisa, Paola Pileo, Rizza Malinao, Abigail Go and Danielle Daniel.

Cebuana national team members Auimi Ono, Madille Salinas and Dixie Star Yu were exempted from playing in the PNG.

After the PNG, the team will next take on Hong Kong, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand and Manila in the 2nd Annual International Ladies’ Cebu 10s Rugby Festival on July 11 at the Cebu City Sports Center.