April 7 was truly a remarkable Sunday for cycling enthusiasts as the first leg of PRURide PH 2019 showcased a number of high-speed races on the grounds of Filinvest, Alabang.

Kim Atienza took part in the Criterium race based on bicycle types, where participants had to go with a point system instead of the usual course distance in cycling competitions.

The celebrity athlete expressed his excitement for his first Criterium at the kick-off.

"This is totally new to me. It's totally opposite from triathlon training. In triathlon, you keep the heart rate low, you conserve your energy, you don’t give 100%. In cycling, separately, walang drafting. Ito, you cycle shoulder to shoulder at higher speeds and at a higher heart rate. It’s my first Criterium and I’m going to have fun," Atienza said before his ride.

In an interview with ABS-CBN News, Atienza shared he had to learn the hard way prior to his decision to live a healthy lifestyle.

"I remember in 2010, I suffered a stroke. But before the stroke, I was just so passionate about work, about everything else except my health," he revealed.

"When I had a stroke, I said, 'I'm going to be the best that I could be.' I prayed to the Lord and said 'If I heal from this stroke, I’ll be a triathlete. I’ll be a marathoner, I’ll be a cyclist,' and it happened! It’s been nine years since I had a stroke and it’s been nine years since I had a healthy lifestyle," he said.

Apart from cycling, he also likes swimming and running.

"These are the three basic sports and I do these at least three times a week," Atienza said, adding that he combines it with healthy eating.

"I eat so much but I eat good food. Organic, natural, black rice. I space my meals five to six times a day."

For those looking to achieve their fitness goals, cycling could be a good first step, the TV host stressed. "Anyone can cycle. Start with short races first, then eventually get longer and longer."

Atienza is set to join Gran Fondo 100KM in the second leg of PRURide PH 2019 in Subic on May 26 and Prudential Ride London Surrey 100 in August.