Gitaruelas cherishes Iloilo win despite injury, shifts focus to track cycling journey

CEBU CITY, Philippines — Cebuana elite cyclist Lovely Gitaruelas kicked off her preparations for an international stint in South Korea with a gold-medal performance at the Mega Criterium 2026 cycling event in Iloilo City over the weekend.

Gitaruelas topped the women’s mountain bike open category in the two-day competition, clocking 20 minutes and 10.68 seconds. She finished ahead of Angel Hope Gozaga (21:02.07) and Maria Louisse Criselle Alejado (23:10.46).

What made the victory even more remarkable was that Gitaruelas later discovered she had raced while carrying a hamstring injury.

In an interview with CDN Digital, the Cebuana rider, who is the daughter of former Cebu marathon standout Liezl Lumindas-Gitaruelas, admitted she initially thought the discomfort in her left leg was merely fatigue.

READ: Gitaruelas claims podium in PhilCycling National Road Race

She later consulted orthopedic specialist Dr. Pierre Mella of Asian Orthopedics, who confirmed that she had sustained a Grade 1 hamstring tear. The injury, however, is not expected to sideline her for long, with recovery estimated at about one week through physiotherapy.

“The Iloilo race was fun and challenging at the same time. I was not supposed to race because of an injury, but my doctor, Dr. Pierre Mella of Asian Orthopedics, gave me the green light, with precautions,” Gitaruelas said.

“With all the adrenaline, I felt great on the first day, which resulted in a first-place finish with a huge gap. But the night after the race, I started feeling a bit weird in the injured area.”

Despite the setback, Gitaruelas remains focused on a bigger goal: earning a spot on the Philippine national team and joining its training camp in South Korea as she transitions to track cycling.

READ: Lovely Gitaruelas relishes unforgettable stint with Philippine team in Vietnam

She said the shift from road and mountain bike racing to track cycling is part of her long-term development plan, especially with the growing emphasis on the discipline in the country, including the use of the velodrome in Tagaytay built under the leadership of Philippine Olympic Committee president Bambol Tolentino.

“My ultimate goal this year is to transition to track cycling. We are also aiming to compete in international races. Right now, there are no races lined up for me because I’m transitioning to a different discipline, and I’m already processing my visa for the training camp in Korea with the national team,” she added.

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