Joshua Pacio turns to mountain biking to stay in shape during the pandemic

Reigning ONE Championship strawweight world champion Joshua Pacio has turned to mountain biking to help him keep in shape amid the pandemic.

While the 24-year-old champion from Team Lakay is never the type to miss a training session, mountain biking has helped Pacio keep a sane mind during this difficult time.

“Mountain biking is a leisure activity, but it’s also good for cardio exercise. Me, Danny [Kingad], Jeremy [Pacatiw], Jomar [Paac], kuya Geje, Edward, and Honorio all ride a lot,” he shared.

“It’s one of the ways we bond. We ride together and experience the outdoors. It’s reenergizing and revitalizing, great for the mind and body.”

Team Lakay is known in the mixed martial arts world for its patented Wushu striking and unlimited cardio.

It is no surprise that Pacio learned about biking from his seniors in the team. Other than it adds to their gas tank and the beautiful scenery in Baguio, it is easy to understand why they got hooked on it.

“I took up mountain biking because I saw kuya Edward [Kelly], kuya Geje [Eustaquio], and kuya Honorio [Banario] doing it. So I tried it way back then, but it took me two years to buy my own bike. I’ve only just now made it a regular thing,” he shared.

“It’s especially fun riding up mountains and roads. Baguio City has some of the best scenic locations in the Philippines. It’s so refreshing to just take in nature. We also have the best weather in the country.”

Pacio last saw action last January against ex-champion Alex Silva where he successfully defended his title for the second time via split decision.

And without a fight lined up yet due to the pandemic, Pacio says he will keep biking until he gets a call from the organization.

“What I love most about mountain biking is that you don’t really notice how physically tiring it is because you’re having so much fun.” – JM Siasat/RC, GMA News