Espiritu, other RP riders compete in Tour qualifier today

ARGAO, Cebu — Over a hundred cyclists, including members of the national team led by Victor Espiritu, are expected to join the last prequalifying race for the Tour Pilipinas 2003 today at this scenic beach-dotted locale in the south.

Espiritu and the rest of the hopefuls will run a 40-kilometer individual time trial race to determine who will advance to the qualifying stage of the Tour, which goes in full bloom in summer next year.

The Tour Pilipinas has already held two prequalifying races in Pililia, Rizal and both legs were topped by national cyclists.

Jose Atillano topped the first edition while Maui Reynante and Warren Davadilla finished 1-2 in the second prequalifier.

The prequalifiers are being held to determine which riders will be able to compete in next year’s full Tour, which will have a record P1-million as the top prize in the team category.

After the final qualifying round, only 120 riders will remain and will join the summer Tour.