SAN MATEO, Rizal – Not even a difficult track could stop Emmanuel Dave Montemayor as he reigned supreme anew in the 2025 7-Eleven Trail Series Cross-Country Marathon Sunday, Feb. 23, at Timberland Heights.

The 24-year-old Montemayor completed a three-peat as he clocked 1 hour, 47 minutes and six seconds – a second faster than second placer and his fellow Bulaceño James Carl Dela Cruz (1:47:07) in the ninth edition of the annual bikefest that was joined by more than 1,400 cyclists.

Montemayor, a Meycauayan native, captured the gold medal – his fourth overall since his first appearance in age-group division of 2019 edition – while Dela Cruz and Jerico Rivera (1:48:29) settled for silver and bronze, respectively, in the 40-kilometer male overall event.

“Medyo nahirapan po kasi maraming ahon and humaba, pero buti naman naraos po kahit medyo dikit lang ang laban,” said Montemayor after winning in tournament.

“Sabi po nila malakas daw po ako sa ahon, kaya pinatuyan ko lang po, and part narin po ‘to ng preparation ko sasali rin po sa Tagaytay (National Open),” he added.

Montemayor will compete in the road event of the PhilCycling National Championships in Tagaytay City which kicks off Monday, Feb. 24.

Meanwhile, Nicole Quinones reaffirmed her mastery after winning her second straight title in the female open class.

Fresh from a training camp in Indonesia, the 23-year-old Quinoñes impressed as she timed 2 hours, 12 minutes and 40 seconds to secure the gold in the distaff side of the 40-km race.

Veteran cyclist Shagne Yaoyao finished behind Quinoñes, crossing the line in 2:12:41 for the silver medal while Adel Pia Sendrijas posted 2:16:07 to take home bronze.

“I think we made a positive impact in Philippine cycling… I feel like I owe a lot to cycling in terms of keeping me healthy, motivated and keeping the mind fresh,” said Philippine Seven Corp. president and CEO Victor Paterno. "I think it’s a healthy thing for everybody.”