Criterium GP race up at Baywalk

MANILA, Philippines - The famed Baywalk along Roxas Boulevard turns festive with the staging of the second leg of the Roadbike Phils.-711 2009 Manila Criterium Grand Prix tomorrow.

The circuit competitions, jointly organized with the Manila city government and the Manila Sports Council, features the country’s top cyclists on a course which covers the stretch from Quirino Ave. to T.M. Kalaw.

“On behalf of Manila Mayor Alfredo Lim, I would like to welcome back the Manila Criterium Grand Prix, which is growing to be popular not only with Manileños but with our local cycling enthusiasts,” MASCO chairman Niño dela Cruz said.

Events director Ric Rodriguez said the second leg is called the Johnson Ang Memorial Race in honor of the late father of businessman-sportsman Alex Billan, a regular criterium participant and board member of the Philippine Cycling Federation led by Tagaytay Mayor Bambol Tolentino.

“While not as tricky as our opening leg, the course offers a different kind of challenge for our participants,” said Rodriguez of the 7.2-kilometer “hotdog” route around the Baywalk.

The bikefest is presented by Excellent Noodles, Oishi and Columbia sportswear and backed by Suunto watches, Franzia wine, Spyder headgear, Gatorade and Summit Mineral Water.

“The riders only have to make a turn at both ends of the course, so speed and tactics will play big roles here,” added Rodriguez.

Race director Noel Baltazar said registration will be at the start/finish line in front of the Rajah Sulaiman Park beginning at 6 a.m. while the races flag off promptly at 7:30 a.m.

Aside from the Filipino-Chinese and the Elite Open divisions, there will be age group competitions.

 categories are according to age group - 56 years old and above; under 25; 26 to 35, 36 to 45; and 46 to 55 - similar to what they do in overseas circuit races.         

Youthful John Paul Morales stunned a powerhouse field to win the opening leg of the Elite Open contest last month so expect the riding big guns to gear up and assert themselves in tomorrow’s event.