Filipino cyclists wear yellow jersey for Cory

MANILA, Philippines - At least 200 cyclists donning symbolic yellow jerseys will ride their bikes as they pay their last respects when the remains of the late former President Corazon Aquino are laid to rest Wednesday at the Manila Memorial Park in Parañaque City.

PhilCycling chairman emeritus Bert Lina has called on all cycling enthusiasts to wear yellow and join the funeral march for Mrs. Aquino.

The yellow jerseys would have the words “Salamat Pangulong Cory” printed on the front.

 The yellow jersey, in cycling parlance, is symbolic of the overall leadership in multi-stage races. It is the most coveted jersey in all of the cycling world.

 “This is PhilCycling’s – and the cycling community in general – way of paying the last respects for Mrs. Aquino, the symbol of democracy not only in the country, but all over the world,” said Lina. “If the late President was in a cycling race, she deserved to wear the yellow jersey all throughout.”

 The cyclists will first meet up at the Cargohaus Building in Parañaque City before converging anew at the Our Lady of the Airways shrine entering the NAIA where they will wait for the funeral entourage and accompany the remains to the Manila Memorial Park.

 Also invited to join what could be called as the “Yellow Jersey for Pangulong Cory” march are Liquigaz-LPGMA Tour of Luzon organizer Arnel Ty and cycling godfather Mikee Romero.

 Padyak Pinoy 2009 champion Joel Calderon and Liquigaz-LPGMA Tour of Luzon winner Mark Guevarra are also expected to lead the ride for the late Mrs. Aquino.