Bitbit stint in peril as POC runs out of time

VIENTIANE, Laos – The participation of the country’s only qualified bet – 2007 Southeast Asian Games gold medalist Maritess Bitbit – also appeared dim as the Philippine Olympic Committee failed to see last minute approval for the 12 other bets who are here for the cycling competitions of the 25th Southeast Asian Games.

POC officials met at lunch time in a frantic search for an alternative solution after the disqualification of 12 cyclists who could not compete for lack of valid licenses from the international cycling federation.

The emergency meeting was suspended late afternoon as the top officials, led by POC president Jose Cojuangco and cycling patron Go Teng Kok, had to leave to attend the opening ceremonies of the 25th Southeast Asian Games at the National Sports Complex.

“We just discussed what to do in this kind of situation,” said RP deputy chief of mission Jeff Tamayo.

“The meeting was cut short because we had to prepare for the (opening-day) parade, but we agreed that we’ll continue to make an appeal before the UCI and Mayor Tolentino to allow our riders to compete.”

Two Filipino riders, 2007 SEA Games gold medalist Joey Barba and Filipino-French recruit Scott Remie, were barred from competing in yesterday morning’s downhill mountain bike competition by the UCI despite the persistence of Go and the Federation.

Even before the meeting was to be held at noon time, Bitbit, who was interviewed by Manila mediamen outside the Athletes Village, said she was too morally drained to be able to compete in her event, the road race.

 “If I were to race alone, I’ll do it. I’m used to racing alone,” said a teary-eyed Bitbit in Filipino after learning her 12 teammates were officially out of the competition. “ But the hardest part is coming over and not being able to compete. That’s bad for our morale.”

“We were told that everything is okay, that all of us would compete – iyun pala hindi,” said Bitbit, the lone UCI license holder in the team.

Go, POC sports and rules chair, failed to give the 12 riders their recognition from the UCI despite assuring that everything would be resolved when they arrive here.

Though the PSC did not spend a single centavo for the cyclists, the POC still pushed the trip with patron Mikee Romero standing as the chief sponsor upon the backing of Go. Romero and Tagaytay Mayor Bambol Tolentino are locked in the battle for the PhilCycling leadership, although Romero took a leave of absence last month.