The Isuzu D-MAX Multisport Team has topped major sporting events held in March and April—the two most active months in the local adventure sports calendar.
Helping the team members in their various competitions is the equally adventurous Isuzu D-MAX pickup, which has proven to be a useful companion in hauling both the athletes and their sports equipment to numerous locations, thanks to its sturdy construction, comfortable cabin, and powerful yet fuel-efficient engine. The D-MAX LS 4×2 M/T was certified by the Automobile Association of the Philippines with a fuel efficiency of 19.3 km per liter.
Formerly called the Isuzu D-MAX Cycling Team, the team has since ventured into multisport competitions after adding multi-discipline athletes to their roster, like celebrity Matteo Guidicelli. Guidicelli topped the Ages 22-24 category of the XTerra Off-Road Triathlon Series held in Liloan, Cebu on March 2. The event comprised a 1.5-kilometer swim, 35-kilometer bike and 10-kilometer run race. Along with Guidicelli, D-MAX Team member Jesus del Carmen also dominated his class—the Ages 15-19 category. The feat allowed both Guidicelli and del Carmen to qualify for the event’s world championship. The event will be held in Hawaii in October.
On April 14, D-MAX Team members also clinched the top spots in the Giant XC Cup MTB Marathon that was held in the La Mesa Dam Reserve. In this cross-country mountain-biking event that tackled tough terrain, JM Mapacpac won the Ages 20-29 category, while Edward Tuazon won the Ages 50-and-above group. Jomer Lim took second place in the Ages 30-39 class.
The D-MAX team also ruled the Los Banos Rock Garden Downhill Race held on April 14 at the slopes of Mount Makiling in Laguna. Proving they were the best in cycling across a treacherous downhill course were Jerich Farr, who placed first among the professionals; Frederick Farr, who topped the experts; and Jing Malabanan, who led the aged 40-49 group.
At the Nuvali Dirt Weekend Invitational Cup held on April 27 and 28 in Santa Rosa City, Laguna, Frederick Farr dominated again with a victory in the Four Cross Experts class. Jerich Farr and Malabanan placed second in Four Cross Professionals and Ages 40-49 categories, respectively, in this event that called for riding skills in various off-road cycling activities.
Meanwhile, Guidicelli again displayed his winning form at the K-Swiss International Triathlon held on April 28 at Subic Bay, Zambales. In this prestigious event, the matinee idol managed a fourth-spot finish in the Ages 20-29 category, which was composed of competitors that came from various countries. For his part, Lim ended in seventh among the aged 30-39 group.
“The Isuzu D-MAX pickup’s track record for durability, reliability and fuel efficiency is unequivocal,” said Isuzu Philippines Corporation President Nobuo Izumina. “Its involvement with the Isuzu D-MAX Multisport Team, where it ably serves as a true active-lifestyle companion, adds another dimension to the truck’s capability. Like the multisport athletes, the D-MAX is multi-functional, too.”