NUVALI’S Dirt Weekend 2013: Setting up World-Class Mountain Bikers

In the International scene, the Philippine mountain biking as a sport is pretty much young compared to other countries in the west. But even as young bikers as we are, Filipino’s never fail to achieve audacious feats and acquire skills that would certainly be at par with anybody else. Mountain biking has been around for several decades and our bike trails all over the country side are noted to be one the best in the world. So with these promising environments, it won’t be long that we will someday dominate the sport. 

Last April 24, 2013, NUVALI, one of the most progressive eco-tourism park and landscape in Sta. Rosa Laguna hosted the press launch of Dirt Weekend 2013. Dirt Weekend, a premier mountain biking event is running on its 4th year. In previous Dirt Weekends, it showcased four different mountain biking disciplines that are being participated by more than 2000 mountain bikers from all over the country. The biking events were Four Cross, 24 hour mounting bike, Trail Mountain biking with Orienteering and Cross Country Race. 

However, this year some events would be slashed-out and will give way to other events that can be participated by not-so-hardcore biking disciplines. These cycling events will encourage more novice bikers, designed to be enjoyed by family members and by those who are just starting to make mountain biking as a leisure sport. 

Another breakthrough of this event is the honor of earning a professional badge in the international cycling community no less than the Switzerland-based world governing body Union Cyclist International (UCI). Participants can be assured that the venue and organizers of this event passes the international standard and podium finishers can be ranked and be qualified to join other international cycling anywhere in the world. The events are also be judged by UCI Official Reps Ms. Beatrice Lawaja of Malaysia and Oscar Rodriguez of the Philippines. 

So this coming April 26 to 28, 2013, Dirt Weekend will anticipate thousands of bikers that will swarm the rugged trails of 1,860 hectare of Ayala Land Development. Among the local groups participating are Bikeworx, Sabak, Potato Corner, Yellow Cab, KTM, John Wilkie, EXO or the Executive Off-Road Cycling Association, Cycline (Mindanao) and Prima Isuzu D-Max.