BUTUAN CITY(June 8) — The rugged trails of this quiet coastal town have become the stage for an international mountain biking spectacle as nearly 200 cyclists from seven countries gather for the Union Cycliste Internationale Mountain Bike (UCI MTB) Continental and Junior Series 2026.
For three days, from June 5 to 7, elite riders, rising young athletes, coaches, and race officials from across Asia and the Pacific are transforming Alegria into one of the country’s premier cycling destinations.
The event, dubbed “Kabibo Banjak Alegria (KBA) International 2026,” is expected not only to deliver world-class competition but also to boost local tourism and economic activity in the Surigao del Norte municipality.
In the local dialect, “kabibo” means joy and fun, while “banjak” means to pedal—a fitting description for a race that combines adventure, competition, and community celebration.
The international flavor of the event was already evident days before the opening race.
The first foreign participant, a cyclist from Bangladesh, arrived in Alegria on May 29 and immediately began exploring the race trails.
“Since his arrival, he has explored the area, especially the event’s trails,” said Alegria Tourism Officer Luniza Garrido.
Tourism records show that 45 foreign riders registered for the competition, including 25 athletes from Malaysia, 10 from Japan, five from Taiwan, two from Guam, and one each from Bangladesh and India.
They join Filipino cyclists competing for valuable international ranking points and the opportunity to test themselves against some of the region’s strongest mountain bike racers.
Adding prestige to the competition, three UCI commissaires have been deployed to Alegria to oversee the races and evaluate the event’s compliance with international standards.
“These commissaires will also evaluate the duration of the cycling event, including trails and the race course,” Garrido said.
Riders will face a demanding 3.5-kilometer circuit consisting of five percent concrete roads and 95 percent off-road terrain.
The course features steep ascents, technical descents, and man-made obstacles designed to challenge endurance, speed, and bike-handling skills.
The Men Elite category will complete seven laps, while competitors in the Under-23, Junior, Youth, and Masters divisions will tackle varying distances. Women’s categories will likewise compete across multiple divisions, showcasing both established and emerging talents.
Beyond the race itself, local officials see the event as a major opportunity to strengthen Alegria’s growing reputation as a destination for eco-tourism and outdoor sports.
“The local government unit of Alegria is investing in eco-tourism and eco-sports,” Mayor Dominador Esma Jr. said.
The influx of athletes, coaches, support teams, and visitors has already generated increased demand for accommodations and local services, providing an economic boost for businesses in the municipality.
The Department of Tourism in the Caraga Region also expressed optimism that the event will further elevate Alegria’s profile on the international cycling map.
In a statement, the agency said hosting a UCI-sanctioned competition gives local riders valuable exposure to world-class competition while strengthening the town’s appeal as a venue for future sporting events.
“With the ongoing competitions, our local riders will gain exposure to world-class competition, improving their skills, experiences, and international rankings,” the DOT-Caraga said.
As cyclists navigate Alegria’s challenging trails this weekend, local officials hope the event leaves a legacy that extends far beyond podium finishes and medals.
For Alegria, every pedal stroke is also a step toward establishing itself as one of Mindanao’s emerging hubs for cycling, adventure tourism, and international sporting events.
