A Dubai-based fitness coach has recently raised the Philippine flag at the recently concluded UCI Gran Fondo World Championship in Italy as the lone Filipino cyclist.
Danny T. Cordero, 50, joined this year’s championship after finishing in the top 20 percent of his age group, 50-54, in the UAE.
This year’s UCI Gran Fondo World Championships had its final event with a 144km granfondo (big ride) and 86km mediofondo (one-day race) with start and finish in the city centre of Trento, but with Monte Bondone (2,100m) as the major challenge which had to be done one and a half time during the mediofondo and two and a half times during the granfondo, an elevation of respectively 2,200 and 3,900m.
The former bodybuilding enthusiast in the Philippines, who had previously joined Mr. Philippines and Mr. Universe twice, told The Global Filipino Magazine that he set this goal four years ago.
“As a beginner cyclist, it was not easy. You have to train hard,” he said, adding that two years after engaging into cycling, he was qualified for the 2021 championship; however, Covid-19 happened.
The strong-willed Filipino fitness coach tried his luck again this year and successfully qualified for the world championship.
Preparation
Danny had to undergo a six-month rigorous training from February to August by conquering Jebel Jais and Jebel Hafeet, two of the highest and steepest mountains in the region, including the mountains of Khorfakan and Kalba.
He understood that coursing through Monte Bondone in Italy was like coursing two Burj Khalifas, the world’s tallest skyscraper.
“So, even during summer, I have to go to the mountain even on weekends,” Danny, a Bachelor of Science in Nursing holder in the Philippines, said.
“Jebel Jais is the highest mountain in the UAE. Its total distance is 20 km, but it’s only a 6% gradient vs. the mountain in Italy of 8-12%,” he said.
“So, it’s double the difficulty of the Jebel Jais, but the elevation and gradient equal Jebel Hafeet. But Jebel Hafeet is only 10 km, so you have to combine two Jebel Hafeet, which is equivalent to the mountain in Italy,” he explained.
Early life and living in Dubai
When Danny quit competing in bodybuilding, he started his fitness training regimen called Spark, which develops 15 components of fitness, including reverse aging through fitness and basic exercises.
Apart from cycling, he also competed in various endurance sports, including running, setting himself to train for Ironman, Olympic distance triathlons, and 3X 70.3 Ironman races in UAE and Bahrain, to name a few.
While in Dubai, Danny worked as a hotel health club and recreation manager, then became part of the biggest fitness facility in Dubai, wherein he received accolades, such as top personal trainer and awarded as one of the best personal trainers.
He now works as a private coach/freelance personal trainer to promote his advocacy by being physically fit and healthy.
“I would like everyone to realize that we only have 1 life, that there’s no such thing as “Practice Life!” This is it! Time before you know it, it’s gone. Set EPIC goals, Goals that will give you goosebumps & work hard to achieve them! Treat every single day as miracle! As a blessing! Do what you can with what you have,” he said.
“Give yourself a chance! To be great! To achieve great things! In sports or in Life! Shine! By doing so, you might inspire someone to do the same. Be the light,” he added.
“I am 50 years old. For everyone including 50+ Remember it’s not too late to be what you might have been!” he further added.