TOP Filipino riders are gearing up against the foreign challenge in the 2009 Motocross Masters of Asia-Puerto Princesa International Motocross Grand Prix set Feb. 27 to March 1 at the Sta. Monica International Racetrack in Puerto Princesa City.

Bike cargo-loading shall be on Wednesday at the Fast Track Circuit from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Newly crowned 2008 Rider of the Year Kenneth San Andres will banner the country?s campaign to regain the overall Asian crown last won when the event kicked off in 2004.

The past three years saw Thailand dominating the event with Arnon Theplib winning back-to-back titles in 2006 and 2007, and Dede Mulyadi of Indonesia clinching the crown last year.

Moreover, Mongolia has vastly improved the past two years and has produced Erdenbileg Khaliunbold as the 2008 Overall Asian Motocross Rider of the Year in this event sponsored by the City of Puerto Princesa, Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office, Department of Tourism, CTI Knee Brace, Oakley, Negros Navigation and HJC helmets.

?We?re very happy with how the other countries have improved, thereby elevating the quality of competition in this series. It?s a big challenge for the Philippine Team, that?s why our riders are really preparing hard to regain the crown,? said FIM-UAM vice president Stephan ?Macky? Carapiet.

While they may be rivals in the local Namssa National Series, San Andres will likely get a big support from veteran champions Jovie Saulog, Jan Carlo Rellosa and Jon Adlawan with other national riders from Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao in the quest for the Asian diadem.

Puerto Princesa City Mayor Edward Hagedorn, who?s personally supervising the preparations, disclosed that the event will boost the city?s bid for the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park to be named New Seven Wonders of the World.

The UK crew of Star Sports and ESPN will be coming over not just to broadcast the event to over 600 million viewers worldwide, but also to do a feature on the Underground River.

The foreign delegates will also enjoy the festive atmosphere as Puerto Princesa will also celebrate its Foundation Day?known as the Balayong Festival on March 4?and the 4x4 Off-Road Challenge.

?The Motocross Masters of Asia will be a huge push to the country?s bid into the Seven Wonders of the World. If we make it there, it will be a big boost to the country?s tourism industry,? said Hagedorn. ?We?ll really see to it that these foreign visitors will enjoy the warm hospitality and the scenic nature spots of Puerto Princesa,? said Hagedorn.

For details on the Motocross Masters of Asia, please e-mail namssa01@hotmail.com.