Veterans lead cast in FedEx Tour

A promising blend of the biggest names in Philippine cycling and upcoming riders had passed the grade during the final qualifying of the Tour Pilipinas 2003 held recently on the challenging terrain of Pililia, Rizal.

From a vast field of over 300 aspiring cyclists, Tour Pilipinas presentor Air21 had managed to funnel out the best 84 riders in the land after holding a month-long series of qualifying races primarily aimed at assuring a competitive atmosphere during next year’s tour.

"With these battle-tested riders set to dispute the crown next year, there’s no doubt that the races will be exciting and highly competitive," said Air21 chairman Bert Lina, who breathed life into the fabled Tour after being dormant for three years.

The top 84 riders after the three-stage qualifying races are automatically guaranteed of slots in the 14-stage, 17-day tour in April, allowing each of them to take a shot at the top individual prize of P200,000. A P1 million prize also awaits the champion team.

National team standout Victor Espiritu topped the final screening of riders after he hurdled the 47.5-km individual time trial challenge in one hour, five minutes and 33 seconds.

National riders Arnel Quirimit and Lloyd Reynante registered identical clockings (1:06.11) as they clinched the top three seats in the tour along with Espiritu.

Past tour champions Renato Dolosa, Warren Davadilla, Rolando Pagnanawon and two-time king of the mountain Carlo Guieb also made it into the exclusive list while Tour of Calabarzon titlist Santy Barnachea, Alfie Catalan and Albert Primero led the young turks in the roster of qualified riders.