MARK Galedo has seen it all.
After a storied, checkered career highlighted by a Southeast Asian Games championship, Galedo has now turned his attention to mentoring the next generation of cyclists. And as the coach of the Philippine women’s national road cycling team, he likes what he sees.
Following the team’s impressive campaign in Vietnam, Galedo is optimistic about his wards’ medal prospects at the 2025 SEA Games in Bangkok, Thailand.
In a recent radio interview, he expressed confidence in rising stars Kim Bonilla, Angelica Altamarino, and seasoned rider Jermyn Prado.
Galedo praised the team’s determination and rapid progress, especially as Bonilla and Altamarino made their debut in international multi-stage events. The team recently competed in the UCI Biwase Tour and the Binh Duong International Biwase Cup—both held in Vietnam—with strong performances that exceeded expectations.
Eighteen-year-old Bonilla emerged as the top Filipino performer in the UCI Biwase Tour, while Altamarino secured the country’s best finish in the Biwase Cup.
Veteran Prado, long respected for her leadership, earned a commendation from Galedo for her guidance both on and off the road.
The Philippine team finished 5th among 20 teams in the General Classification of the Biwase Tour and 7th overall in the Biwase Cup standings—results that have significantly boosted the team’s confidence heading into the SEA Games.
Galedo, together with coach Marita Lucas, also mentored newcomer Lovely Gitaruelas during the Vietnam events. The coaching staff is now focusing on fine-tuning strategies and sharpening the riders’ performance as they prepare for their biggest challenge yet.
“There’s a huge chance of winning a medal at the SEA Games based on what I saw during their races,” Galedo said. “We’ve identified areas where they can improve, and since they learn quickly, this is a great opportunity for them to succeed.”