Pangasinan’s top riders to be honored

LINGAYEN, Pangasinan — For keeping the province’s honored place in Philippine cycling, the provincial board is set to honor five out of 18 Pangasinan cyclists who landed in the top 10 in the recently-concluded 2006 Tour Pilipinas bikathon dubbed as "Padyak Pinoy".

Vice Governor Oscar Lambino told The STAR that Board Member Jolly Resuello, provincial Sangguniang Kabataan federation president and chairman of the Committee on Sports of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan. will sponsor a resolution during their next session for the cyclists’ feat during the May 12-19 compact eight-stage summer spectacle.

Lambino added that the citation will be presented to the cyclists in a simple yet memorable event in the provincial board’s session hall.

The winners were led by Santy Barnachea from Umingan town who captured the championship plum.

Jesus Garcia Jr., race director and cyclists consultant, said the other winners were Ericson Obosa of Manaoag town who ranked second runner-up, Renato Sembrano of Mangaldan town who finished seventh, Harvey Sicam of San Manuel town who placed eighth and 2003 Tour Pilipinas titlist Arnel Quirimit of Pozorrubio who landed ninth. — Eva Visperas

Garcia said based on records, the achievement of the Pangasinan cyclists who landed in the top 10 is one of the best finishes of the local riders since the birth of Philippine cycling in 1955.

Quoting national scribes, Garcia said, "We proved anew to our countrymen that–then and now–no doubt we are still the premier in this kind of two-wheeled sport, whether in professional or in amateur racings."

He added that the citation will boost the morale of the five riders as well as the others who aim to follow their footsteps. — Eva Visperas