Niel Valderama finally secured his first Southeast Asian Games medal after earning bronze in the men’s cross-country eliminator on Thursday, Dec. 11, at the Khao Kheow Open Zoo in Thailand. The 24-year-old from Santa Maria, Bulacan, ended years of close calls after earlier misses in the 2021 Vietnam and 2023 Cambodia editions.

He said the breakthrough brought immense relief, sharing how he long waited for the moment to represent the country on the podium. Valderama surged early when he overtook Thai contender Watcharakorn Onthuree at the opening turn, a sequence that led to the Thai rider’s crash during the tight exchange.

Malaysia’s Zulfikri Zulkifli later slipped ahead to take silver, but Valderama maintained enough pace to protect his position through the first lap. The result delivered the Philippines’ second mountain bike medal of the week after John Derick Farr’s bronze in the men’s downhill a day earlier.

Indonesia’s Rendy Varera Sanjaya dominated the field to claim the gold medal.

Valderama pushes through fatigue in crucial moments

Valderama admitted he struggled at the start, dealing with heavy legs and difficult breathing during the opening stretch. He said he remembered the words of his coach, who reminded him to give everything because such opportunities don’t come often.

The Filipino rider stayed composed, tightening his posture and holding his line to defend his position in the technical sections. The finish sealed a long-awaited milestone in his mountain biking career.

A win dedicated to country and coach

Valderama is guided by coach Eusebio Quiñones, a former SEA Games champion who won cross-country gold in 2003 in Vietnam. He said the medal is a tribute to the nation, supporters, loved ones, and his longtime mentor.

The podium finish adds to the Philippines’ growing medal haul in cycling and strengthens its presence in the mountain biking competitions.