Barnachea sets sights on Asian crown

National rider Santy Barnachea, who has just accomplished a Tour dream the other day, is dreaming again.

Completing his date with destiny by ruling the Padyak Pinoy 2006, Barnachea intends to plunge back to training after only a brief rest with hopes of doing well in the coming Asian cycling championships to make the RP contingent for the 2006 Asian Games in Doha, Qatar late this year.

"I’ve gotten personal glory in my Padyak Pinoy championship. Now, I want achievement in international stage to share with our kababayans," said Barnachea, among the top bets of the RP team in road race event.

The 30-year-old Umingan, Pangasinan native carved a niche for himself in the annual summer bikathon as he topped the eight-stage Padyak Pinoy for his second crown following his Calabarzon Tour conquest in 2002.

Barnachea felt great with his feat although he said he would have been more satisfied proving his mettle in a field featuring the cream of Philippine cycling. Unfortunately, several big-name riders opted to join a rival group which is planning to run its own tour.

"The absence of the other strong riders made it easier for us national riders to dominate this tour," said Barnachea, who emerged a cut above the rest, donning the yellow jersey from the third stage to the finish.

Barnachea said he’s in great condition and he hopes to be in better shape as he carries the national colors in the Asian joust in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia in September.

PhilCycling secretary general Jun Lomibao said the Kuala Lumpur event serves as the final qualifier among national riders for the Doha Asiad in December.

Barnachea is hoping to redeem himself from a mediocre showing in the 2005 SEA Games held in the country.

"I really felt good winning the Tour. I would be doubly happy if I make it to the Asian Games," said Barnachea.

Before going back to training, Barnachea said he will finally tie the knot with long-time live-in partner Michelle with whom he has a two-year-old son Darren. Michelle is sister of another rider Enrique Domingo.

Santy said Michelle served as among his inspirations in winning the Padyak Pinoy. Michelle, along with Santy’s father Santiago, followed the tour in their own van from day one.

In a Tour utterly dominated by the national riders, Barnachea shone brightest with his versatility and consistency.

Barnachea felt the route designed by tour organizers this year was cut out for him.

"In the past, I would already be so tired and weary even before we tackled Baguio. It seemed the new route favored me," said Barnachea,

The re-designed Tour layout had the riders slugging it out in Baguio in the third stage and having their final battle in the Sungay climb connecting Talisay and Tagaytay.

Barnachea thought keeping his poise and confidence under searing attack by Frederick Feliciano in the Marikina-Lucena sixth stage turned out to be the key.

"It’s good that I didn’t panic. I kept my composure and slowly ate up the big margin Eric had built on that stage," said Barnachea.