Fil-Am cyclist Coryn Rivera

By Jesus A. Garcia Jr.

UNKNOWN to many of our countrymen but well-known to the cycling world especially in America where she was born and raised and in Europe where she’s currently based now, our  country already produced a pure-bred professional cyclist that is conquering prestigious races in Uncle Sam’s land and as well as numerous world class European races during these days.

Yes, the most decorated American female cyclist  is Coryn Rivera whose parents are both Filipinos. She is in town for the third time. Unlike her first two trips purposely to see the birthplace of her parents, her trip’s main objective this time is to join the annual PRUride PH 2018 on January 11-14 to be conducted in Subic, Zambales and the January 21 second leg slated in McKinley West in Taguig City which will be run in different categories with over one million in cash prizes, including trips to London, England at stake.

It was in 2014 and I was in the U.S. when I watched a TV news how this 5’1” diminutive Fil-Am rider conquered one of America’s prestigious female bike races called “USA National Criterium Championship.” Of course, I was touched knowing that though she was born in Orange County, Southern, California, I knew she’s a full blooded Filipino. Coryn already collected 71 national titles in America after turning professional racer at young age of 16, in four cycling disciplines namely the road race which is her forte, track, cyclocross and mountain bike events and in four classes, the junior, collegiate, U23 and professional categories. She is inarguably now the most winningest cyclist in U.S. Her most esteemed victory outside America was when she won the Tour of Flanders in Belguim (considered ala World Championship) that was participated in by the best cyclists in the world. That win cemented her status as one of the best cyclists in the world of this generation and the first and the only American cyclist (so far) to do this feat.

Her first triumph in European racings was the Trofeo Alfredo Binda in Italy in a sprint finish and her latest achievement in Europe was the Prudential RideLondon Classique held on July 29, 2017, which led her to visit our country and will try to conquer the PRUride PH 2018 version with our very own local bet Marella Salamat of Bugallon and hundreds of others in the world racing against her.

“I think to just inspire people to ride more. It’s cool to ride a bike and the weather here is so nice. It’s a little bit too hot compared to Europe so that’s a little bit a shock but it’s a great place to ride. The scenes are so beautiful. Just to get outside, ride and do something healthy,” said the sprightly Rivera after training in Tagaytay City which according to her met around 300 cyclists and had some pictures taken with her.
After her brief stint here, she will fly back to Europe to join more races as a contract rider of Netherlands-based Sunweb Club. She aims to win a medal in the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games but unfortunately not to represent Philippines but donning the colors of U.S.A being an Uncle Sam’s born citizen and a national team member.

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QUOTE OF THE WEEK: And Jesus Christ said, “Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this right. “Honor your father and mother,” which is the first commandment with promise:”That it may be will with you and you may live long on the earth.” EPHESIANS 6: 1-3

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