By Lucio Gabor
Philippine cycling’s newest record-holder Zedrick Ivan Honorica is setting his sights on bigger international goals while calling for stronger support following his historic performance in the Asian Track Cycling Championships in Tagaytay Velodrome.
Honorica etched his name in the record books after clocking 10.865 seconds in the men’s elite flying 200-meter sprint, resetting the Philippine mark and signaling his arrival as one of the country’s most promising track cyclists.
But beyond the numbers, the 21-year-old’s journey tells a deeper story of perseverance. From balancing life as Food Panda delivery rider to training with limited resources, Honorica’s rise has been fueled not just by grit, but by the support of individuals who believed in his potential early on.
Among them is Dr. Norman Afable, founder and general manager of Energy Healthasia by Dr. Odsman, who has backed Honorica since his college days at Pamantasan ng Marikina.
“Naging estudyante ko siya, talagang matiyaga, Pandesal boys, anak ng security guard. Tayo naman dahil naging atleta rin tayo, tutulong tayo at hindi naman tayo nabigo at Nakagawa siya ng history sa cycling,” said Afable, a former collegiate and commercial basketball star, during the Tabloids Organization in Philippine Sports, Inc. (TOPS) ‘Usapang Sports’.
Afable provided crucial support to the young cyclist during his formative years, helping sustain his training and development at a time when resources were scarce. That backing, Honorica said, played a key role in keeping his competitive dreams alive.
“Malaking bagay po ‘yung mga naniwala at tumulong sa akin mula pa noon. Si Dr. Norman (Afable) hindi ako pinabayaan.” Honorica shared, acknowledging the people behind his journey, in the forum sponsored by the Philippine Sports Commission, Behrouz Persian Cuisine and Pocari Sweat,
And from his measly iron bike that worth P14,000 compared to the equipment used by his foreign rivals in the Asian tilt, Afable gifted Honorica a much better equipment and even hired the services of former PH team member Perjuval Gerdino as his personal trainor.
Despite his record-breaking feat, Honorica fell short of a podium finish, underscoring the gap between Filipino cyclists and their well-equipped Asian counterparts. He emphasized the need for improved training programs, access to world-class equipment, and sustained funding to help bridge that divide.
Now riding the momentum of his breakthrough, Honorica is determined to elevate his performance in future international competitions and hopefully contend for medals.
“Yung time ni Zedric, konti lang sa Sea Games gold medal. Kaya target namin yung record ng Malaysian na si Anwar sa SEA Games,” said Afable, who joined in the forum by HealthAsia marketing manager and operations head Samantha Padida.
Honorica’s story—one of resilience, quiet support, and untapped potential—has become both an inspiration and a rallying call: that with the right backing, Filipino athletes can compete—and win—on the world stage.
