This MTB rider from Mindanao dominates 7-Eleven Trail race

Quinn Moñasque, a young rider from Sarangani Province, made a striking debut at the 7-Eleven Trail cross-country mountain bike race in Rizal, turning his first attempt into a stunning victory.

Arriving from Mindanao shortly after competing in the PhilCycling National Road Race in Tagaytay, Moñasque and his teammate were among the smallest contingents in the field. He had only seen about 80 percent of the trail because several sections were closed during preparation, leaving him to face much of the course for the first time. Moñasque approached the race focused on enjoying the ride rather than chasing the win.

The trail challenged him with steep downhill sections lined with exposed tree roots and a sudden sharp jump that caught him off guard. Early in the race, his water bottle cage fell off, forcing him to stop at feeding stations to grab water before chasing the leaders again. Despite these setbacks, he steadily closed the gap on more experienced riders, relying on timing, quick adjustments, and his cross-country experience in Mindanao to navigate the technical sections.

Moñasque didn’t realize he had joined the breakaway until he was already among the front runners. Pushing hard on the flat cement sections near the end, he overtook his competitors and crossed the finish line first, surprising riders who expected him to struggle on the unfamiliar course.

The win marked a milestone for Moñasque, who began cycling during the pandemic and has steadily built his experience in local and national races. Only two riders from his team entered the 7-Eleven Trail, and he borrowed a mountain bike for the competition while bringing his road bike from previous races. His victory highlighted his skill and resilience, showing his ability to thrive under pressure and on a challenging course.

Looking ahead, Moñasque plans to stay in Luzon to compete in the multistage Tour of Luzon road cycling race, carrying forward the momentum from his first major trail win.