ARANETA_ALLEZ_ Column

CC’s Road Rage, a 2-day, 3-stage event, which was held two weekends ago, was a success! Thanks to the hard work of my co-organizers Mark Olan, Albert dela Rosa and Mike Flores.

We had expected a big turnout of riders from out of town if not for Typhoon Yolanda and the 7.2 magnitude earthquake. I know a lot of our friends from the Leyte area would have been present if not for the disaster. The sole representative from Leyte was Phillip Saiz, who won the +40 ITT. I even thought that the event would be cancelled if not for Manila teams who have already had their plane tickets. Alex Billan’s squad, Excellent Noodles, team Bont and team Franzia Wines answered the call but it was Excellent noodles who dominated the event. Excellent riders Romeo Camingao and YsmaelGendrano both won the under-40 and the +40 categories.

All of the three stages were won by excellent riders except for the U-40 ITT which was won by Amon Espinosa, who rode the 17.8 km Carcar-Sibonga-Carcar stage in 25.01 minutes. Sainz, on the other hand won the +40 ITT in 26.46 minutes.

Stage two became an instant classic. From Carcar, the peoton weaved through the hairpins going to the 8km climb to Guadalupe before turning right towards the Vegetable Highway. I’ve never been there but based on the description of the riders, it was a monster! In fact, a few riders stopped and turned back. It was again, the Camingao and Gendrano tandem from Excellent Noodles who grabbed the win. However, a new face in the local scene, James Kho, came in 5th place, and he was able to climb with the leaders. This kid shows that he can mix it up with the big boys.

Stage 3 was a Crit at the MandaueReclamation which was won again an Excellent Noodle affair.

All in all, it was a successful event. What’s next is a one day road race late March or early April with the route still to be mapped out. For those who missed Raod Rage, we’ll be back next year, bigger and better!

Finally, I’d like to thank the Mayor of Carcar City, NeciporoApura and his very secretary, whose name I missed, for accommodating our request in just a short notice. Thanks also go to the outgoing barangay captain of Bolinawan, Capt Itok and his tanods! And finally, a big thanks to Yoyen’sCarenderia for going out of the way in making Road Rage what it was……Another set of congratulations  is also in order to Boy Tiples and Ronnie Adlawan, for placing 3rd and 4th overall, respectively in the +40 Cat!......Thanks also to the management of FF Cruz for allowing us to use the Mandaue Reclamation Area…..To our sponsors, Samsung and Vios Construction, Thank you!