Two young and popular motocross riders related by blood aim to continue reaping honors not only in Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao but also in the international racing scene.
Pia Gabriel, dubbed as the Princess of Philippine motocross, and younger brother Ompong say their dreams is to join more international races in order to reap honors for the country.
Both natives of Nueva Ecija, the Gabriels competed with honors in a Thailand motocross event. They also attract huge followings with their riding skills and good looks whenever they compete in a local motocross event.
Motocross standout siblings Ompong and Pia Gabriel (from right) listens as National Master Christian Nazario (second from left) explains the format for the coming 1st Ahedres Team championship during the TOPS ‘Usapang Sports’on Thursday at the National Press Club.
“There are hundreds of motocross events watched by huge crowds all over the country,” said Gabriel, a Wesleyan University student. “It’s not as popular like basketball, boxing or volleyball due to lack of exposure but we’re getting there.”
The Gabriels guested in the weekly Tabloids Organization in Philippines’ Usapang Sports on Thursday at the National Press Club. They were accompanied by their number one supporter and mother Rosanna.
The 16-year-old Ompong is regarded as heir apparent to the throne being occupied by the highly-talented Bornzkie Mangosong of Team United Athletes Mindanao. Pia is the country’s leading lady rider, although she created quite a stir in the ongoing MMF Supercross when she was able to upstage the male riders in Amateur Open production for all ages and gender in round 3 of the Supercross at the Mx Messiah Fairgrounds in Taytay, Rizal.
Pia mentions the likes of Janelle Saulog, Jasmin Jao, Quiana Reyes and riders from Mindanao as her closest competitors. Pia leads the overall race in the ladies class of the MMF Supercross with 97 points, followed by Jao 83 points and Reyes with 82 points.
Ompong said he idolizes Mangosong, Glenn Aguilar and ageless riders like Saulog. ‘‘I have a lot to learn from them and they always give me the tips to improve,’’ said Gabriel.
Gabriel is running third in the centerpiece Shell Advance Pro Open after finishing third in Round 4 of the series. He has a total of 74 points.
Mangosong stayed perfect with his fourth straight win for 100 points, 14 points ahead of second running Ralph Ramento.
Tags: Motocross , National Press Club , Nueva Ecija , Ompong Gabriel , Pia Gabriel , Princess of Philippine motocross , Rosanna Gabriel , Usapang Sports
