Tolentino bares new Phl cycling team; retains Caluag, coach

MANILA, Philippines - There’s new hope in Philippine cycling, and now it’s not just Asian Games gold medalist Daniel Caluag who can deliver the goods in the international arena.

Philcycling president Abraham Tolentino yesterday presented to the Philippine Sports Commission a fresh 32-strong lineup for the Philippine cycling team.

Led by Caluag, who won the BMX gold in the recent Asian Games in Incheon, the list is made up of young and tested cyclists who went through a rigorous selection process.

Except for the US-based Caluag, reigning Le Tour de Filipinas champion Mark Galedo and Southeast Asian Games medalist Alfie Catalan, most of the riders are under 23 years old.

“This is our new national team. We disbanded the old one. We want to invest in a young team,” said Tolentino after presenting the lineup to PSC chief Richie Garcia and commissioner Buddy Andrada.

While the team will continue to draw support from the PSC, it has the private sector to rely on, particularly MVP Sports led by Manny V. Pangilinan, LBC through Dino Araneta and Air 21 under Bert Lina.

Tolentino is also in the process of forming the new coaching staff. At the same time, he expressed his intention to retain the services of Gregory Romero as Caluag’s coach.

The Cavite Representative said the cyclists in the lineup have the potential to win the gold in international races like the SEA Games.

Also in the field are Ronald Oranza, Rustom Lim, George Oconer, Ronald Lomotos, Mark Bordeos, Jun Navarra, Jerry Aquino, Boots Cayubit, John Camingao, Rudy Roque, John Farr, Eleazar Barba, Jigo Mendoza, John Mier, Edmer Flores, John Morales, Jesterniel Mendoza, Archie Cardana, Marvin Tapic, Armel de Jesus, Jose Tumalad, Vladimir Ulanday, Marella Salamat, Ariana Dormitoryo, Avegail Rambaon, Jermaine Prado, Aimee Benjamin, CJ Caluag and Siena Fines.

“Lahat ito puwede mag-medal sa mga international races,” said Tolentino.