by Eva Visperas
Mapandan Mayor Karl Christian Vega officially introduced Team Batang Vega-Cafe Medarlo, the town’s cycling team, ahead of the 2026 Road National Cycling Championship set in Tagaytay City from February 23 to 27.
The team is composed of promising young cyclists, including Team Captain El Joshua Cariño, 2018 Le Tour de Pilipinas champion; Julian Matthew De Guzman, 18, from Barangay Primicias; Jhun Kevin Erasquin, 21, from Barangay Jimenez; Jhami Junatas, 20, from Barangay Amanoaoac; and John Paolo Soriano, 20, from Barangay Pias.
Mayor Vega is the team owner, while the team’s management includes his father, Don Medarlo Vega as team manager, Anzel Zarate as executive director, Jazy Garcia, two-time Olympian and Guam Tour champion, as overall director, Jesus Garcia Jr., three-time Philippine Tour champion, as executive adviser, and Florante Solomon, former Philippine team rider and Marlboro Tour lap winner, as coach. El Joshua Cariño also serves as team trainer, assisted by Ray Zambrano as technical assistant.
Speaking at a press conference on February 18, Mayor Vega emphasized that the team is fully sponsored by his father Medarlo, who provided uniforms, equipment, and facilities for the cyclists. He highlighted the town’s tradition of supporting sports, including annual cycling and swimming competitions during the town fiesta, and noted that Mapandan has consistently ranked among the top medal-winning municipalities in recent district DepEd meets.
“We see great potential in our riders. With guidance from champions like Sir Jazy and Joshua, we believe these young athletes can bring pride to Mapandan,” Vega said. He also pointed out the symbolic “J-team” connection, as all the riders’ names start with the letter J, matching nicknames in his family.
Team Batang Vega-Cafe Medarlo will undergo confirmation and license checks starting February 22, with their first race in Tagaytay on February 23.
Vega said, “Although we don’t have unlimited funds, with the support of our sponsors and the town, we are committed to giving our athletes the chance to compete at the national level and represent Mapandan with honor.” (Eva Visperas)