Villaver wins plum in "Padyak Pinoy"

CEBU, Philippines – Robert Villaver made up for his so-so performance in the first day and won not only the second and final challenge, but also the top prize of the Padyak Pinoy-Visayas and Mindanao qualifying race which ended in Boljoon the other day.

Villaver was not in the top 5 during the massed start race, but managed to get into the cut off for the individual time trial from Boljoon to Oslob and back the following day.

Villaver realized that there was no other way to get a slot for the summer’s cycling spectacle anymore so he poured in an all-out performance in the 40-km action posting 55 minutes and 53.86 seconds in this DOS 1, UCCPI, Omega Pain Killer Liniment, Power Plus, Lecit-E, Casino Ethyl Alcohol, Rudy Project and Philippine Sports Commission-sponsored event.

Villaver got the overall individual classification’s no.1 spot with a total of three hours, 15 minutes and 81 seconds.

First day’s fastest, Jaybop Pagnanawon ended second in the overall standings with 3:05:19.14.

Completing the top 5 cast that will compose the Visayas team are Randy Carbonera with 3:06:30.06, Albert Basirgo with 3:06:53.56 and Judemar Delorosa with 3:07:17.82.

A mixed Mindanao squad is also recommended after the two-day eliminations with three Cebuanos included in the line-up including Nilo Barbalose, Earl Cadampog and Roy Carbonera. The three came out sixth to eighth in the overall rankings.

The three Cebuanos had been considered to team up with the two Agusan del Norte riders who braved the challenge — William Pagola and Vicente Bayun-on. – Caecent No-ot Magsumbol  (THE FREEMAN)