In 2010 Isuzu Philippines Corporation (IPC) formed its own mountain-biking team composed of some of the country’s most accomplished athletes in the booming sporting discipline. The team promptly went on to dominate virtually every cycling competition both locally, as well as a few abroad. Four years later, it has evolved into a well-rounded group as the Isuzu D-Max Multisport Team and, along with TV celebrity/athlete Matteo Guidicelli, continues on its winning ways.

Last year Guidicelli brought home honors by logging the highest finish for the D-Max Multisport Team at the Xterra Off-road Triathlon, an event that forms part of international triathlon competitions. Guidicelli in the grueling contest of endurance placed first in the Ages 22-24 Category.

This stellar set of individuals reflects the active lifestyle led by the typical owners of the Isuzu D-Max pickup. The sporting traits embodied by Isuzu’s best-selling model and its namesake multisport team truly appeal to like-minded people who possess a playful spirit and taste for adventure.

“Whether in professions or recreational pursuits, competition breeds excellence. And the people who strive to become the best in both areas deserve no less when it comes to vehicles. With its mix of power and strength, practicality and luxury, the Isuzu D-Max is unmatched in addressing the requirements of Filipinos who seek for the perfect companion in both work and play,” said IPC President Nobuo Izumina.

Expectedly, the D-Max Multisport Team continues to illustrate these values as it logged impressive results during the first half of 2014.

The team ruled the three competitions it took on in January and February. In the Cross-Country division of the 7-11 Mountain Bike Challenge, Flores won in the Age 19-24 category while Jeff Pacinpane placed third after him. Jek Rivera also took second place among the 16-18 group, Tuazon finished second in Age 50 and above, and Angelica Limjoco was third in the Women’s Elite group.

In March, members of the group notched top finishes in three competitions. At the Cross-Country division of Adrenaline Rush 4, EJ Flores took second place in Age 21-30 group while Edward Tuazon placed the same among participants aged 50 and above.

The Xterra Off-Road Triathlon Series, held in Liloan, Cebu, was completely dominated by the D-Max Multisport Team. Clinching first places were Joseph Miller in Filipino Open Elite Category, Noel Salvador in Age 40-44, Jomer Lim in Age 30-34, Angelica Limjoco in Age 25-29, and Timbol in Age 40-44 Lite Race. For his part, Ricardo Salvador placed third in Age 30-34. Miller was also crowned third overall in the event’s Full Race.

At the 2014 Subic Challenge Triathlon, Miller clinched second place and Phillip Duenas third place in the Filipino Open Elite category as Lim managed sixth place among the 30-35 age class.

Isuzu’s team members also figured prominently at the first leg of qualifiers for the DROP—or the Downhill Riders’ Organization of the Philippines—National Series. No less than three of them secured the top spots: Jerich Farr in Professionals, Frederick Farr in Experts and Jing Malabanan in the Age 40-49 group. Supporting the performance of the trio were Welmer Velayo, who placed second in the 40-49 group, and Epi Cruz, who took the third spot in the Age 30-39 category.

In August, the father and son tandem of Frederick and Jerich Farr will compete in the 2014 Asian MTB Championship in Kundasang, Malaysia after qualifying in the Masters B and Juniors Categories, respectively, during the country qualifier held in Danao, Cebu.

Also set in August, the team will compete in one of the country’s prestigious triathlon events, the Cobra Ironman 70.3 to be held in Cebu vying to maintain their podium finishes.

After which, the team will have grueling training to prepare for the Xterra World Championships to be held in Maui, Hawaii in October this year. Pack leader Joseph Miller will be spearheading the group as he competes in the professionals’ category after his strong finish in the Philippines and Asia Pacific Championships.

Like in the case of the D-Max pickup, the strong showing of Isuzu’s multisport athletes during the first half of 2014 indicates the high level of performance to be expected from them in the months to come.