ASEAN Mountain Bike Cup, 2015 3rd Round, Sabah

Ranau, Sabah, “The land below the wind” welcomed the ASEAN Mountain Bike Cup, 2015 3rd round event on August 29th and 30th being host after the events at Danao, Cebu and at Jogjakarta. Participants from ASEAN countries, Malaysia being the host, Philippines, Indonesia, Thailand, Timor Leste, Brunei, Australia and from the EU took part in DH and XCO events. It also hosted the UCI Junior World XCO series, 2015.

The DH track located near Damai Eco Ranch,Lohan which is two hours away from the city Kota Kinabalu, a small farming village where the backdrop are the hills that forms part of Mount Kinabalu, the highest peak in Borneo and South East Asia begins at an elevation of 1997 meters above sea level. The track spans across three hills and is divided into two separate sections notably. The track was built by a well known icon in this region and also a UCI commissioner, Mr Lester Lebumfacil from the Philippines. The top section compromises of soil and dirt that had blended well overtime after forest fires some several years ago from large trees and overgrowth. Passing clouds with scattered light showers the previous day, the 2.1km track seemed loose and dry and after a good sun baking before the event started. Off camber, berms and drops make up most of the top section.




Vipavee Deekaballes, Winner Women Elite from Thailand, time 03:59:73


Agung Fambudi from Indonesia, runner up, Men Elite.

Spectacular view, excellent riding. A very fast and fun trail. Muhammad Mahfudz from Indonesia. Mens Elite.

Muhd Nur Rahimin Hj. Abdul Amin, Winner, Master A riding through a off camber section connecting the first hill to the second hill.

Winner John Derrick Farr from the Philippines, time 03:44:64.



Frederick Farr from the Philippines, Master B, time 03:48:39.



Passing clouds and scattered showers is no deterrent and in the background, the hills that form part of Mount Kinabalu.


Drop over the old truck.

Loose natural rocks, gravel and sand form most of the second section and part of the track uses the fire road with whoops, table top, drop of a old truck and jumps before the finish line.
As the race entered the Men Elite category, heavy downpour as the last ten elite riders make their way down to the finishing line thus slippery rock surface.


John Derrick Farr racing to the finishing line going over the table top.

This event saw a winning entry from a father and son, Mr Frederick Farr and Jerich T. Farr the Philippines win their respective categories and a proud moment shared. Aside from the spectacular view, a fast and fun track, it was also a great moment for the riders to meet new friends from both local Malaysians as well those from abroad. The next event for next year 2016 will be held at the same venue. Stay tuned for the 4th Round. Until then, wish to thank Beatrice Lajawa, Lester Lebumfacil, the team of UCI commissionaires, Team Managers and riders alike.