Phl cyclists to see action in Cebu Challenge m’bike

CEBU, Philippines - Some members of the elite Philippine Team are expected to spice up the competition in the 'Cebu Challenge Mountainbike One Day Road Race' slated on November 18 from Talisay City up to the northwestern Cebu town of Tuburan and vice versa passing through the Naga-Uling Road and the Magdugo-Media Onse Road in Toledo City.

Bannered by Cebu's pride John Rene Mier, the likes of Eric Feliciano and Eusebio "Eboy" Quiñones have also expressed their intent to take part in the cash-rich event spearheaded by Cebu Sports Hall of Famer David "Kuya Boy" Odilao, Jr.

Mier, who delivered gold medal for the country during last year's Southeast Asian (SEA) Games in Indonesia, swiftly made an impact in the first major race he joined in his hometown by dominating the Cebu Challenge Cycling Classic (formerly the Tour of Cebu) two months ago.

Meanwhile, Talisay City Sports Commission chairman Gerald Anthony "Samsam" Gullas, Jr. and Tuburan Mayor Democrito "Aljun" M. Diamante have thrown their all-out support to the one-day joust that is expected to draw at least 60 pedal-pushers from all over the country.

Also backing up the event are local officials of the cities of Naga and Toledo as well as the towns of Minglanilla, Asturias and Balamban.

Some private entities are also behind the noble project of Odilao including the MSY Foundation, Inc. of  Cebuana philantrophist Mariquita Salimbangon-Yeung and the Cebu Unified Eagles Club under the dynamic leadership of Dr. Bert Alvarado.

Over P100,000 in cash prizes will be given away to the top performers of the race that features six categories: men's open/elite, women's open, juniors, seniors, executives, and fat boys.

The contest involves two stages - from Talisay to Tuburan via Balamban and then from Tuburan back to Talisay.

The top five finishers in each stage will take home cash prizes. The organizers will give the riders a few hours rest before proceeding to the next stage.

A separate award courtesy of the Tropang Guardians will be handed out to the fastest rider to navigate the Naga-Uling road as well as that of the Magdugo-Media Onse route.

Alvarado will also be giving away a beautifully-crafted Presidential Cup and an additional P5,000 bounty to the rider who will be able to top the two stages.

Registration is now going on and will end on November 15. Entry forms are available at the Chopstick Chinese Casual Chow-Shopwise branch, Edfil Restaurant at Citi Center and at Cycle Logic in Parkmall.

Entry fee is pegged at P300 inclusive of a race bib and jersey, packed lunch and certificate of participation.

For more details, one may call race director Joe Deresas at 0933-1353272 or technical committee chief Eddie Filosopo at 0917-4606111. (FREEMAN)