Puerto Princesa’s Santos snares 2 golds

Puerto Princesa City’s Lloyd Santos bagged two gold medals Tuesday to lead the surge in Day Six of the first Philippine Velo Challenge at the Amoranto Velodrome in Quezon City.

Santos, a supervisor at PLDT, dominated the Executives 1,600-meter massed start (two minutes and 32.47 seconds) and the 2,000-meter individual pursuit (2:51.59) of the event co-presented by the First Gentleman’s Foundation of Atty. Jose Miguel Arroyo and Air21 (Sagot Ko, Padala Mo!)-Tour Pilipinas Inc..

His teammate, Virgilio Valenzuela, finished first in the Masters 1,600-meter massed start (2:19.19) to push Mayor Edward Hagedorn’s team in contention in the overall team standings of the Velo Challenge also supported by Pagcor, the Philippine Sports Commission and Philippine Olympic Committee, Isuzu D-Max (the Philippines’ No. 1 Pickup), Sharp Phils., San Miguel Corp.-Viva Mineral Water, Vittoria Tires, 93.9 iFM, RMN dzXL 558, David’s Salon and Intrasports and aired over dzSR Sports Radio 918 khz.

Marites Bitbit, the other two-gold winner, continued to set the standard in the Elite women’s class after she won the 3,000-meter individual pursuit (4:35.85 seconds) and the 1,600-meter massed start (2:30.46 seconds).

Bitbit’s teammate Gerardo Amar gave Elixir Bike Shop its third gold medal of the day after the member of the national coaching staff topped the Veterans 1,600-meter massed start (2:30.7 seconds) of the event that is part of the PhilCycling’s calendar for its preparation for the 23rd Southeast Asian Games in November.