In the first IDF race ever held in Asia, and in steady tropical rain, Canadian Patrick Switzer edged out local hero Dandoy (John Rex Tongco) in a final where both miraculously stayed upright despite heavy board-on-board contact. Billy Meiners from the USA took out third, enjoying a great view of the battle in front of him that almost gifted him his first IDF win.
Tamara Prader took out the women's final, marking the first ever occasion of a couple winning the Opens and Womens races at an event.
Finals day began with a rain storm that settled in and never left, leaving rivers of water crossing the track in front of some of the corners. Heats progressed with few surprises, leaving a high-quality set of semi-finals.
The Open finals featured the fastest four qualifiers. Switzer pushed out in front, with Dandoy right behind until he attempted a pass on the inside and ran out of room; his board locked both their boards for an instant. Neither crashed, and Dandoy was unable to find another passing opportunity.
The Filipino riders were young, fast, full of stoke, and relishing the chance to race against the best. The trail blazed by Gerard Cancio is now filled with rippers like Dandoy, Duke Pandeaqua, Tito Sumicad and Pedro (John Den Escarda) - these guys are hungry and ready to win.
The women's scene was particularly strong.
The stoke here was so infectious nobody could resist.
A big Salamat to everybody involved.
