ISMAEL GOROSPE JR.: CYCLING HIS WAY TO FAME
Everything begins with the first step.
In fact, in most cases, the first step virtually guarantees if you will succeed or fail in your quest.
PRU Life UK realized this and that’s why when preparations for the 2017 edition of Ride London came about, they wanted to be instrumental in the development and progress of a talented and deserving rider. Immediately, Allan Tumbaga, PRU LIfe UK’s chief marketing officer, embarked on a mission to find a suitable candidate.
Enter Ismael Gorospe Jr., a young, upand-coming cyclist, who already is starting to show his potential in the sport.
Ismael was chosen to fly to London, together with senior rider Ronnel Hualda and his coach Edna Hualda, in his first overseas trip.
It was also his first race outside the Philippines.
This experience actually included many firsts — applying for his first passport, first visa, first international trip, first taste of a different culture.
When he arrived in London, he experienced his first ride in very cold weather, and it turned out to be quite an adjustment for him.
Gorospe, who started cycling at the age of 11, experienced so many firsts in this trip, and all this new knowledge should help him in his rise to the top of his sport.
THE PHILIPPINE STAR: You recently raced in London, how was the experience?
ISMAEL GOROSPE JR.: I still can’t believe it! I experienced so much! I met different people. I saw many places. When I learned I was going to London, I was excited but also nervous. I didn’t know what to expect. How beautiful was the place going to be? Is it clean? I didn’t know how I was going to perform. I knew I was carrying the Philippines so I wanted to make our kababayans proud.
You know, it was actually the first time I almost burned out in a race! As the horn was about to go off, to begin our group in Ride London, adrenalin suddenly rushed through me and I raced ahead of the pack! I forgot about pacing myself and I was lucky Ronnel caught up to me and calmed me down. I learned so many lessons that day, just being one of them.
What are your next targets for 2017?
Locally, I’m looking forward to Ronda Pilipinas! I’m looking at first winning a lap, then maybe our team winning in the competition, and eventually my winning in the individual category.
But I’m also looking forward to more travels. I’m only 18, so I’ll need to wait a bit more for international stints. UCI (the world governing body) set an age limit of 19 to ride professionally, so I’m constantly training, waiting for my opportunity next year to participate in more events.
I met Chris Hoy, one of the best cyclists of all time, and it further inspired me to push myself to be the best I can be. Maybe I can achieve even just half of what he was able to.
What would be the ultimate prize for you in the sport?
Before I traveled to London, I was just looking at making the national team, but now I want to travel a lot more. I’m very grateful to PRU Life UK for giving me the opportunity to broaden my horizons. I want to see more new places.
And not just compete in our country, I want to represent the Philippines in many competitions abroad like the SEA Games, the Asian Games, and even the Olympics.
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