MANILA, Philippines - Youthful John Paul Morales stunned the big guns with a stirring win in the Elite Open Division in the kick off leg of the Roadbike Philippines-7 Eleven 2009 Manila Criterium Grand Prix in front of an enthusiastic crowd at the Rizal Park last weekend.
The 23-year-old Marikina pride struck with barely 50 meters to go, breaking away from a 30-man lead pack to nip veterans Lloyd Lucien Reynante and Ericsson Obosa for the scrambling victory.
Morales bested a stellar field that included two-time Tour champ Victor Espiritu, who got derailed by a flat tire in the later stages, Warren Davadilla and Arnel Quirimit.
The circuit races are sponsored by Roadbike Philippines, 7 Eleven, Excellent Noodles, Oishi and Columbia Sports Wear.