Lopez tops cycling tryouts leg

MANILA, Philippines - Benito Lopez Jr. dominated younger rivals to rule the second leg of the National Open cycling tryouts in Tanay, Rizal last Sunday and assure himself of a berth in the national training pool.

The 37-year-old Lopez staged a breakaway in the last 20 kilometers of the two-round race covering the mountainous stretch of Jala-Jala and Sierra Madre to pull away from the pack before coasting to victory in the event by the Integrated Cycling Fedration of the Philippines (ICFP).

The win was a big follow-up to Lopez’s runner-up finish in the first leg of the tryouts held to select the best riders for the Laos SEA Games this December.

The Plaridel, Bulacan native also bagged the King of the Mountain title during the recent Cagayan Tour.

Philcycling president Mikee Romero said the last phase of the Sunday-only tryouts will be an individual time trial at the foot of Patindig-Araw going to Boso-Boso, in Antipolo City.

A total of 85 riders joined the tryout.

“We’re hoping to form a competitive team for the SEA Games and I hope former members of the RP team will join the last phase of the tryouts,” said Romero.

Jay Tolentino finished second in the 170-km race that started in the town of Pililia. Billy Biag settled for third place.

First leg winner Rey Martin tried to keep pace with Lopez and company early in the race but failed to sustain his charge and reeled back.

Arnel de Jesus topped the juniors category.