Bitbit joins 12 cyclists on SEAG sidelines

MANILA, Philippines - The Philippine Olympic Committee yesterday formally announced a decision by 2007 Southeast Asian Games gold medalist Maritess Bitbit to pull out of the road race, joining 12 other national cyclists who were earlier denied participation in the Southeast Asian Games cycling competitions.

“We met with Maritess and told her of the situation and our stand that if we are going to compete, we are going to compete as one,” said Cojuangco. “She understood the situation.”

“We told her that if she should decide to participate while others don’t compete, it would not be good for the team. I told her Mikee (Romero) paid for your allowance and it would not be good if you participate against the wishes of the group. The decision is yours.”

Cojuangco said the POC would help the beleaguered cycling body headed by Mikee Romero to seek redress from the Court of Arbitration of Sport in Switzerland.

He also pointed an accusing finger on the UCI, which has meddled in the affairs of its member NSA, saying NSAs are primarily members of their national Olympic committees and secondarily of their international federations.

Cojuangco thanked the 10 members of the SEA Games family for “uniting behind the Philippines in its request to the international federation of cycling to allow Filipino cyclists to participate.”

“Their expression of unqualified support confirms the type of brotherhood we enjoy in this part of the world and it’s our sincere hope that the Philippines is able to return this favor at the soonest time possible,” he said.

Cojaungco said that despite this tragic incident, Team Philippines is well on track in its quest for excellence in the Games.

“”Despite the difficulties, we will continue to give a good fight,” he said.