PUERTO PRINCESA CITY - Using the deafening cheers of his countrymen as motivation, Jean Erick Mitra showed amazing riding savvy for his age to outlast Guam’s Jacob Einloth and this city’s homegrown junior riders Ariel and Ernest Guinto in the Junior 85cc event of the recent 2010 FIM Asian Motocross Series.

Mitra, who is backed by Oakley and JBS Motorcycle Parts and Accessories, sped off from his rivals from the get-go and then used a tactical defensive riding the rest of the way to beat his more illustrious rival from Guam in the premier junior category of the FIM Asian Motocross Series.

“Inunahan ko kaagad sa simula pa lang to sort of break their spirit,” said Mitra, a 14-year-old Novo Ecijano, who wants to follow in the footsteps of his idol Kenneth San Andres, the country’s premier national rider. “I’m glad I was able to consistently hold them off until the checkered flag.”

An estimated 30,000 spectators trooped to the venue to witness the country’s biggest international motorsport event, held under the auspices of the only governing body for the sport - the National Motorcycle Sports and Safety Association - and backed by the City of Puerto Princesa, the Philippine Olympic Committee, Oakley, Department of Tourism, and Monark Equipment.

“The crowd really pumped me up. Iba talaga when you’re riding in front of your countrymen,” added Mitra, who chalked up 50 points for his victory, something that can serve him in good stead in his goal of winning the Asian Junior 85cc crown.

Einloth’s second place rank was worth 44 points while local rider Guinto had 34 points.

For more information on the 2010 FIM Asian Motocross Series, log on to www.namssa.org