The riders are wondering what’s keeping the organizers from giving their prizes after clashing for the total cash pot of P2.6 million in the compact eight-stage tour.
No one has been paid, not even Barnachea who is set to receive around P130,000 for his championship, his five-day reign as yellow jersey holder and stage podium finishes, nor the members of the Cossack Vodka who are to split P500,000 for ruling the team event.
Apparently, the organizing Dynamic Outsource Solutions Inc. is also having a problem securing sponsorship funds following the reduction of the tour from what was slated to be a 12-day grind to only an eight-day, eight-lap race.
There were reports the prizes would be given out June 15.
For Barnachea, collecting his prize would go a long way in his preparations for his forthcoming church wedding to long-time partner Michelle on June 17.
"Outside of the expenses for the wedding, I have so many debts to pay. Then there’s still those waiting for some shares from my purse," said Barnachea.
The organizers have reportedly paid off the drivers and the owners of the different vehicles used in the tour. But this didn’t sit well with most of the riders, especially those who have no money for ship fare to return home to the Visayas and Mindanao and now have to stay with friends and relatives in Metro Manila.
"I pity those who came from the provinces. They’re stuck in Manila," said two-time champion Renato Dolosa who mentored Cossack Vodka to the team championship.
"We’ve been told to just wait for their calls. What if it would take a year and we still haven’t receive our prizes, then we would be a big burden to our friends here," said one provincial rider.
By his estimate, Barnachea stands to receive close to P128,000, which includes his P75,000 champion’s purse plus his share from Sunbolt’s P225,000 prize as fourth placer in the team competition.