by Brian Yalung
Mark John Lexer Galedo plans to continue representing the Philippines in international competitions for as long as he can. The 2012 Ronda Pilipinas champion mentioned this during the 10th year anniversary of 7-Eleven-Cliqq-Air21 Roadbike Philippines held at the Golden Phoenix Hotel in Pasay City last weekend.
Spearheading the men’s elite team, Galedo’s age (33) is nothing more than a number for him as he intends to compete for as long as he has something to give.
Mark Galedo (photo by Brian Yalung)
“Kung bibigyan ako, hangga’t kaya ko siguro. Pero ayaw ko rin namang lumabas ako sa cycling dahil talagang wala na kong magawa. Hangga’t may maiaambag ako pagpapatuloy ko,” said Galedo in an interview with Manila Bulletin Sports Online. Surrounded by younger cyclists, Galedo remains someone that most look up to. Aside from being someone his teammates enjoy being with, the 2013 SEAG gold medalist is aware that he needs to lead by example and guide upcoming bicycle racers.
“Marami pa rin talagang naghahanap sa akin. Sila na yung nagsasabi na okay naman akong makisama sa kanila at sinusubaybayan ako ng mga batang to,” said Galedo.
Like other sports bodies, cycling is making the necessary preparations for the coming SEA Games. Galedo says that they are upbeat since the games will be held here and that they will give it their all to get medals.
“Mas mataas ang morale ng Filipino rider ngayon and mas papabor satin yung route. Siyempre yun din sa amin, bibigay namin ang lahat para makakuha tayo ng medal. Tayo host country. Talagang gagawin natin lahat. Gagawin namin lahat para di masayang yung pagkakataong nakapasok ako sa team para magcompete,” he said.
If there is one thing that Galedo covets the most, it is qualifying for the Olympics.
“Talagang isa rin yan sa mga pinapangarap ko, na makarating sa Olympics. Pero siyempre yung pinaka-best natin yung ipadadala. Willing din naman ako. Kung sino yung nasa mas magandang place sa amin, yun yung ipapadala,” he ended.
Tags: 7-Eleven , Air21 , Brian Yalung , Golden Phoenix Hotel , Manila Bulletin , Manila Bulletin Sports , Manila Bulletin Sports Online , Mark Galedo , Mark John Lexer Galedo , Philippines , Ronda Pilipinas , SEA Games
