Cebu s top cyclists to invade Madridejos for 2nd Mayor Romeo Bike Fest

CEBU, Philippines — A bunch of top Cebuano cyclists will once again strut their wares in the 2nd Mayor Romeo Villaceran Bike Fest 2023, a road race and mountain bike challenge slated on Sunday, December 3, starting and ending at the Madridejos town plaza in Bantayan Island.

Junreck Carcueva, a professional road racing cyclist riding for 7 Eleven Cliqq-Air21, banners the list of contenders in the men s open division as he defends his twin titles in the road bike and MTB Open categories, according to event chairman Jynhel Negre.

We are doing this driven by the spirit of volunteerism for our fellow Lawisanons and Mama Mary,  said Negre.

The other topnotch pedal-pushers to watch out in their respective classes are Jonel Carcueva, Zack Reyes, Donkey Sanchez, Khalil Sanchez, Keith De Fiebre,  Nilo Barbalose, Jim Villaceran, Martin Hubert Quiamco, Rodhoward Orbeta and Vince Lawrence Tibay.

In the women s division, Lovely Gitaruelas and Mae Laboca are the heavy favorites.

On the other hand, the participating teams outside of the island include Team Williams, Team Indianos, Keith Defeibre Cycling, BikePort, UTP, Team Espana Cebu, Daanbantayan, JM CYCLE, IBS Catmon, and Tira Bords Tuburan.

Expected to give them a run for their money are island riders from Madridejos Cycling Team (MACYC), Sikad de Madridejos, Bantayan Moutain Bikers, Sikad Santa Fe, and Padyak de Isla.

In all, the organizing Madridejos Cycling Team (MACYC) headed by Robert Milan and Sikad de Madridejos led by Torj Jubay are expecting around 250 participants to compete in the one-day tilt that is among the highlights of the annual fiesta celebration of the Lawisanons in honor of their beloved patroness, the Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception, on December 8.

Close to P100,000 in cash prize will be given away to the winners. The champions in both the Road Bike and MTB Open will pocket P10,000 each, while the second to fifth placers will take home P5,000, P3,000, P2,000, and P1,500, respectively. Those who will make it to the top 10 will receive P500 apiece.