Cebu to host cash-rich cycling tilt

CEBU, Philippines - A cash-rich cycling race billed as the "Cebu Challenge Cycling Classic" will highlight the 443rd founding anniversary of Cebu Province on August 8 to 12.A total of P581,000 is at stake for the top performers. P354,000 has been allocated for the team prizes, while P172,000 will go to the individual winners.

The event will have the prologue plus three stages and a criterium to be staged in different parts of the province.

The prologue will be a 40-kilometer individual time trial on August 8 at the South Road Properties.

Stage 1, set on August 9, is a grueling 101.7km road race from Cebu City to Bogo, while stage 2 covers 186.9km from Bogo to Toledo. The third and final stage is slated on August 11 from Toledo to Argao.

The five-day battle winds up with a 60km criterium that will end at the Cebu International Convention Center.

The top 10 individuals and teams in the overall classification will receive cash prizes as well as the top finishers of each leg.

The organizers led by David Odilao, Jr. and the Guardian Delta Force International, Inc. will also give away special prizes to the sprint king, king of the mountain and the youngest rider.

Each team shall be composed of five cyclists plus three crew members.

Those who are interested to join the race have only until August 5 to register. — THE FREEMAN