Marcelo, Davadilla head Asiad riders

MANILA, Philippines - Veterans Arnold Marcelo and Warren Davadilla took top honors in the second day of track competitions in the Koten Unification Races National Qualifying yesterday at the Amoranto Velodrome in Quezon City.

Marcelo, a former national mainstay who has competed in the Doha Asian Games, outclassed his youthful rival Jan Paul Morales in a battle of wits and speed to rule the Keirin race.

Together, Marcelo and Morales will carry the fight for RP in the Keirin race of the coming Asiad in Guangzhou, China.

“Morales is tough and daring because he is still young but it’s okay, I look forward to us being partners in the Keirin race in Guangzhou,” said Marcelo, who represented the country in the Madison Track event in the Doha edition.

Two-time Tour champion Davadilla also proved he still has what it takes to succeed as he won the Men’s Points Race at the expense of Tomas Martinez. The two will comprise the RP Points Race squad for the Asiad.

With their feats, Marcelo, Morales, Davadilla and Martinez became the latest members of the Philippine cycling team.

Early qualifiers were Nilo Estayo, Reinhard Gorantes and George Oconer in the Men’s Olympic Sprint; and Gorantes, Lloyd Lucien Reynante, Mark Julius Bonzo and John Mier in the 4-km Individual Time Trial and Men’s Team Pursuit.

Fil-Aussie Apryl Eppinger, Maritess Bitbit and Annalisa Dysangco have earned the slots in the women’s 500-M ITT, 3-km Individual Pursuit and Points Race.