Giro

While the Giro d'Italia (May 6-28) a poor cousin to the commercial success of the Tour de France, it is not hostage to the financial demands placed upon by the sponsors of the TdF. And because of this, racing in the Giro is more creative and more exciting than the TdF.

Last years' Giro was the most exciting grand tour in many years. In fact, the race was decided on the penultimate stage where the peloton had to pass the 17km dirt climb called the "Colle delle Finestre". The overall leader, Paolo Salvodelli (DISCOVERY CHANNEL), was struggling on the climb and seemed like losing the race. Meanwhile, 2003 Giro champ Gilberto Simoni (SAUNIER DUVAL) and a group of three had a 20sec lead and was the virtual leader on the road when they crested the Finestre. But on the way down and towards the finish at Sestriere, Salvodelli, the 2002 Giro champion, also known as "Il Falco" for his descending skills, took back the 20sec he lost as he swooped down on the climb and gained another 25 seconds on the hapless Simoni. Simoni, now demoralized, gave up the virtual "maglia rosa", the Giro leaders jersey, to Salvodelli.

The 2006 edition is also similar to last year's route which favors the pure climbers. Although Salvodelli wears number 1, the favorite to win is CSC's Ivan Basso. Basso was the favorite last year when contracted a stomach bug and lost 40 minutes in just one stage. He is Lance's anointed one to win the TdF this year. 2004 Giro champion Damiano Cunego (LAMPRE) also looks good this year after finishing strongly in the spring classics. Last year, he fell to the Epstein-Barr virus. Another rider expected to shine this year was the 3rd overall last year, the diminutive Venezuelan Jose Rujano (SELLE ITALIA). This guy can really climb mountains! One of the more interesting riders this year is Danilo di Luca (LIQUIGAS). Di Luca is considered as an exceptional one day specialist but last year, he had a breakthrough in the Giro by holding on to the pink jersey for 5 days and winning two stages in the process. This year, he changed his training methods and put all his eggs in the Giro basket.

Some familiar names will be on the prologue like Jan ULlrich, Floyd Landis and Michael Rasmussen but they will be there only for training. However, I think that Ullrich will be the most scrutinized non-contender in the Giro. Everybody is expecting him to win the TdF this July so he better be ready.

I wouldn't count out Gilberto Simoni. At 34, he may be older than his rivals but the route suites his attacking style especially in the final week. Finally, I believe that Paolo Salvodelli will also contend but he won't win it. His climbing is suspect. Watch out for his teammate and Lance protégé, Tom Danielson. Danielson is touted as the man to replace LA! But this year belongs to Ivan Basso!

ALFREDO de JESUS. Cebu City Hall of Famer for football Alfredo "Ceding" de Jesus passed away last week at the age of 85. He's is survived by his wife, Nene and children Bobong and Alma. He was a strict disciplinarian, espoused loyalty and a true gentleman to the core. I knew the man since I stayed with them for a good 13 years of my life.

RACE RESULTS: Labangon crit (2006.5.1) OPEN 1. Nilo Barbalose, 2. Antonio Nebria, 3. Albert Basirgo..... RCM MAY #1 Greenhouse (2006.5.1) CAT B IND 1. Junjun Canasa, 2. Noel Famor (TSK), 3. RJ Balbuena (TSC), 4. Edgar Fuentes(TRMS), 5. Richard Patalinghug (TRMS)......RCM MAY #2 (2006.5.6) CAT B IND 1. Stephen Chian 2. Richard Patalinghug 3. Noel Famor 4. Ian Colina 5. Jojo Juezan RCM OVERALL 1. Stephen Chian 41pts, 2. Richard Patralinghug 41, 3. Noel Famor-40. CAT B TEAM (after race#2) 1. Team SPARK KLEEN-78pts, 2. Team LAPULAPU-RUT-68, 3. Team VELONAUTS-54, 4. TEAM SC-53, 5. Team KALIT-41 6. Team YAWKOY-10