GUIMBA, NUEVA ECIJA — Marc Ryan Lago Mendoza of Go for Gold claimed a stunning victory in the Solid North Larga Pilipinas, presented by Smart Communications, Red Dynasty Seafood Restaurant, and Smart Sports, held on August 2 over a grueling 197-kilometer route that started and finished in Guimba, Nueva Ecija.
Mendoza, a former junior champion in the 2018 Larga Pilipinas edition held in Marikina, now ruled the prestigious Men Pro/Elite category — a symbolic return to his racing roots.
He broke away early with a 12-man lead group that formed around the 40-kilometer mark in Sta. Rosa, Nueva Ecija. Following the game plan of his coach Ednalyn Hualda, Mendoza timed his final push perfectly to secure the win.
“Nung una sir tuma-trangko ako, kaso sabi nila Coach Edz, ‘Wag ako mag-ubos kasi dalawa lang kami ni Dave Montemayor sa first group,’” said Mendoza.
“Kaya nung final 10 kilometers, nakikiramdam lang ako sa kanila. Di ako sumabay sa ratratan nila.”
His strategy paid off — in the final 500-meter sprint, Mendoza outsprinted Mar Sudario of Excellent Noodles and Nash Lim of Dreyna and National ITT champion.
The Go-for-Gold standout almost missed the race, revealing that the team initially planned to skip the event due to overseas commitments.
“Opo, di nga po sana kami kasali, kaso po sinabi ni boss Jeremy Go na dapat salihan ang karera — para sa’min din daw yun,” shared Mendoza, son of former Asian Duathlon king Ryan “Bad Boy” Mendoza.
The event featured some of the country’s top Filipino cyclists and was a showcase of endurance, teamwork, and tactical racing. Mendoza’s victory marks a significant milestone in his career and adds another proud achievement for the Go-for-Gold team.