PH cyclist Yaoyao boosts Olympic bid, takes silver in Malaysian tourney

Shagne Yaoyao earned precious UCI points which will boost her Paris Games bid after winning a silver medal in the UCI Cat 2 XCO Helaz Mountain Bike Series in Terengganu, Malaysia over the weekend.

The 27-year-old Yaoyao banked on her experience and timed in 1 hour, 22 minutes and two seconds to finish second in the 11-rider field in the women’s elite tournament.

Nur Fitrah Shaari of Malaysia (1:21:23) copped the gold medal while her teammate Nur Deena Safia Nor Effandy (1:24:13) settled for bronze.

Filipino cyclists Nicole Quinones and Dianna Marie Costes settled for 4th and 6th place, respectively.

For her feat, Yaoyao earned 20 UCI points which are all important as she vies for a spot in the Paris Olympics

The three riders are gearing up for a Japan and Malaysian tilt next month where they are hoping to collect more points for themselves and the country.

Meanwhile, Nicole’s father Eboy Quinones, who is a SEAG gold medalist, topped the Men’s Master B category. — Mark Rey Montejo