PINOY FIXIE

Hello to all Pinoy Fixie viewers!

Thanks for dropping by and welcome to Pinoy Fixie! This page was created with hopes to truly foster all Filipino on and off-road, fixed-gear and single-speed bicycle enthusiasts, mtb’ers, fixie riders, and track cyclists worldwide. From local fun rides, races, criteriums, and especially all disciplines of track racing, to competing at state, national, and regional levels, ultimately to the upcoming Rio Olympics 2016 and beyond by earning qualifying points through international events and all UCI World Cups.

Hopefully you can join us in Pinoy Fixie's Facebook Group. Message me if needed. Just a few requests... no solicitation, profanity, nor posting of any unrelated stuff. Let's be matured and focused even in this virtual world. The sport of cycling still embraces proper etiquette on and off the saddle. Kindly give a short introduction of yourself and start posting. Check out our Facebook Page also for the latest happenings.

Let’s talk about routes you ride, how you trained lately, bike parts you’re curious about or maybe just wanted to pass on or looking for. Share race results, top finishes, and medals earned. Don’t hesitate to post pictures and videos. Let us know any related events you are aware of – past, at this moment, and upcoming.

The goal is to use this social media as a portal to share or gain knowledge and experiences of these specific types of bicycle riding. Most importantly, help, assist, and mentor peers who wants to get started and for those who wants to get to the next level. Let it be known if besides riding or racing...the important side ... reliable mechanics, trusted managers, dedicated trainers, determined coaches, our officials, caring sponsors, and supporters. Hopefully we can create discussions, brainstorm, and find answers and tips from our friends worldwide and from our homeland.

Thank you and maraming salamat sa lahat!

Arden Arindaeng

Thursday, October 9, 2014

Chapter 5. Race 4: Team Sprint. Olympian Deogracias Asuncion at UCI's 2014 Masters Track Cycling World Championships

Race Day # 6. October 9, 2014 Thursday, 7 days after arriving. Team Sprint. His last race of the event.

The Team Sprint team was formed yesterday with Robert Cronin from NorCal as the first man, Alphonso Whaley from Texas as the second man, and Deo as the 3rd man. Here's a photo at the starting line taken by Rebecca Pelegrin.

Team was called "Texie Cali USA"! It was just unfortunate Robert Pelegrin was injured from the crash he endured during his Match Sprint the other day. We were set to form a team with Robert Cronin in their age group but instead we moved down to 45-54 age group because of Alphonso's age. Down aging was allowed! Despite getting sick, Deo was not looking forward to for the 3rd man sprint especially after having symptoms of flu a couple of days ago.

Out of 10 teams, Texie Cali USA still finished a respectable 6th place, just 0.2 seconds behind 5th place finishers, missing the qualification seeding. We just wished that we weren't sick.

Coach/Manager Arden Arindaeng

Wednesday, October 8, 2014

Chapter 4. Race 3: 60-lap Points Race. Olympian Deogracias Asuncion at UCI's 2014 Masters Track Cycling World Championships

Race Day # 5. October 8, 2014 Wednesday, 6 days after arriving. 60-lap Points Race, points every 10 laps for the first 4 riders.

Why do people register for a race in a big event like this and not show up nor sign in just like this Scratch Race?! There were 2 scheduled Heats this morning but were eliminated because 5 out of the 27 registered riders did not show up! It was later suggested that Heat A will be the Finals instead of the last race tonight. Deo was able to roll easy before the event started and waited if warm-ups on rollers are still needed for the Heat races. Once the officials decided that Heat A was going to be the Finals, he was ready and continued on with his warm-up. As most know, the timing when you start and the intensity needed from your warm-ups is very critical.

His bike was checked for the race and race briefing was given just before heading out from the back stretch. At least this time, there was an official stopping everyone at Turn 4 not like his previous Scratch Race where everyone raced up to the track. I don't like that! This time, Deo was in a better position when they were let off. The race started once they crossed the starting line.

At the first bell lap, Deo placed 5th after a few attacks. A few more of those ensued as he was close to where the action was. The race heated up and Deo smartly hid in the peloton with good positioning till bell lap. Here's Deo on Larry Nolan's wheel, the winner of the Scratch Race from Race day # 1.

As the race went on, the breakaways either was successful or were caught up by their group. At the last 10 laps, only a couple where still going for their breakaways. Deo finished closed to the front of the peloton. It was another fast paced race and it was relentless. Larry manhandled this race once again and won it! It's amazing that Deo finished 9th out of 22 riders despite some drawbacks! I'll let you know at the next chapter.

Coach/Manager Arden Arindaeng

Monday, October 6, 2014

Chapter 3. Race 2: 500-meter Individual Time Trial. Olympian Deogracias Asuncion at UCI's 2014 Masters Track Cycling World Championships

Race Day # 2. October 5, 2014 Sunday, 3 days after arriving. 30-lap Scratch Race. 500-meter Individual Time Trial.

Deo's warm-up built up correctly and were able to simulate a couple of his races on rollers as he was scheduled for Heat 7. Bike checked done afterwards. His friend Mike Birditt who won yesterday's 60-64 Scratch Race from a breakaway went and raced his 500-m ITT earlier mentioned of the need for heavy gearing, we immediately changed to a larger chainring.

We all know that Deo is a spinner but he's been convinced of the need of heavy gearing in track racing! We moved to the waiting area early enough so he can get settled in and to calm down. I think that was one of the many right moves we have done. Eventually, his bike was brought to the starting gate and we were on!

Despite the known fact the he clocks in at 40-seconds and that 35 seconds will win a medal, we were confident that he can go faster that his usual which he did at 38.440 seconds! Here's his results with 8 more heats to go.

Most of our peers dished out some pain and some won medals from Match Sprints, Individual Time Trials, and Team Pursuits. You need to know the results?! Personally, it didn't matter, he still outperformed his limits! I respect him for that!

Coach/Manager Arden Arindaeng