FILIPINO mountain bike sensation Steve William Velayo clinched a silver medal in the Downhill Men Junior category at the 2025 Asian Mountain Bike Championships held recently in Zunyi, China.
Velayo clocked a time of 2 minutes, 46.389 seconds, finishing second to Japan’s Yuga Ikuta, who took gold with a time of 2 minutes, 45.078 seconds. China’s Jiayang Xian secured the bronze medal.
The silver medal feat was significant step forward for Velayo, who had previously finished sixth at the Asia Mountain Bike Series – Dirt Heroes International event in Sibulan, Negros Oriental last April 12.
In other events at the championships, John Andre Aguja finished 11th in the men’s U23 Cross Country Olympic (XCO). Aguja, a two-time national champion and the reigning Asia MTB Series – Passi City titlist, completed the race in 1 hour, 12 minutes, and 17.54 seconds. Compatriot Gart Gaerlan finished further back in 22nd place.
Junior rider Thirdy Manaay finished 8th in the junior men’s XCO category with a time of 56 minutes and 24.79 seconds.
Top Filipina MTB rider Shagne Yaoyao placed 9th in the elite women’s XCO, improving her UCI ranking. Fellow Filipinas Nicole Quiñones and Adel Pia Sendrijas finished 10th and 15th, respectively.
Dianna Marie Costes finished 10th in the women’s U23 XCO, while Adrienne Kate Narvasa placed 11th in the XCO women junior competition.
Looking to build on her performance, Yaoyao is scheduled to compete in the third leg of the Asia MTB Series in Yawatahama City, Japan, from May 24-25.
