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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Motorcycle challenge organizers contemplating ending 'Ironman' event

Motorcycle challenge organizers contemplating ending 'Ironman' event

Published Jun 27, 2024 09:20 am

At A Glance

  • The organizers of the BOSS Ironman Motorcycle Challenge are currently considering putting an end to the event altogether after its 2024 iteration led to two motorcycle riders' deaths in separate incidents.
  • The House Committee on Transportation is currently investigating these incidents.

cornermonkey-Jh7RohFbjzc-unsplash.jpg(Unsplash)

The organizers of the BOSS Ironman Motorcycle Challenge are currently considering putting an end to the event altogether after its 2024 iteration led to two motorcycle riders' deaths in separate incidents.

This was bared by the president of BMW Owners Society of Safe Riders (BOSS) Joseph Tan during a House Committee on Transportation hearing on Thursday, June 27, regarding the incidents.

“Walang kapalit ‘yong buhay eh (There is no replacement for life), so as the president and with the board, we are strongly thinking or contemplating the event, not to push through,” said Tan.

“We have to reformat if we have to, but as of now, you would see it in our actions,” he added.

Two motorcycle riders were killed in road accidents—one in Dagupan City, Pangasinan and the other in San Juan, La Union—during the 24-hour 1,200 kilometers (km) endurance challenge.

Tan’s statement came after La Union 1st district Rep. Paolo Ortega V questioned the future plans of BOSS. He noted that their events are prone to risks on open roads.

“Ayaw ko man pong sabihin, alam niyo naman po sa Pilipinas, baka hindi po siya ‘yong isa sa pinaka-conducive na lugar kung sa’n tayo pwedeng mag-conduct ng mga open-highway na challenges kasi minsan nga may dumaan lang na aso, karambola na ‘yan, sunod-sunod na ‘yan,” Ortega said.

(I don't even want to say it but you know in the Philippines, it might not be one of the most conducive places where we can conduct open-highway challenges because sometimes a dog crossing the road can lead to accidents, and it will cause a chain reaction.)

Meanwhile, Tan has acknowledged that BOSS’ motorcycle challenges throughout the years have led to cases of injuries among riders.

The 2024 edition, however, was found to be its most extreme, with Tan arguing that the increased number of participants may have played a part in the two fatalities.

He said BOSS has not yet sent a letter to government agencies and local governments regarding a possible 2025 event.

“So ‘yon po (that’s it), Mr. Chair, the board is seriously contemplating, reviewing not to push through for the event because of the two deaths that had happened. Wala pong kapalit ang buhay sa amin (For us, there is no replacement for life),” said Tan.

Meanwhile, Leyte 4th district Rep. Richard Gomez, a motorcycle enthusiast, advised Tan and other BOSS officials to prepare a mechanism where riders can safely participate in the event without going beyond the speed limit of various road types.

“I’m hoping that in the future kung sakaling magkakaroon kayo ng ganitong (in case you will have this) event, coordination is very important, discipline of riders is very important,” said Gomez.

Related Tags

BOSS paolo Ortega motorcycle riders BOSS Ironman Motorcycle Challenge
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