Juico heads cycling body, calls for unity

MANILA, Philippines - Newly elected officials of the Integrated Cycling Federation of the Philippines (ICFP), led by its president Philip ”Popoy” Ella Juico, the other day vowed to institute reforms in the sport and pushed for a unified and strong cycling community.

Juico acknowledged the fact that Filipino cyclists have a strong chance to give the country honor and recognition in the international scene.

“Cycling is just one of sports Filipinos have a strong chance to win internationally. Past records showed we can. If we join hands and work together, anything is possible. Never mind our affiliations. For cycling and Philippine sports in general, we have to be united,” said Juico.

But to accomplish this, Juico’s group must offer peace to the Philippine Integrated Cycling Federation (PhilCycling), headed by Tagaytay City Mayor Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino.

“That’s our top priority. All of us here care for  cycling and I’m sure Mr. (Bambol) Tolentino doesn’t want another Laos controversy to happen again. We need to sit down and come up with a win-win solution to cycling’s problems,” said Juico, referring to the Southeast Asian Games incident, where 11 Filipino riders were barred from participating in the games as they failed to secure licenses from the international cycling federation (UCI).

“At this point, we don’t need to argue on the issues of which group is recognized or not. The fact that we all love the sport and we are all Filipinos, we need to unite and come up with a strong program that will benefit cycling and the athletes,” said Juico.

The former PSCchief said short- and long-term programs must be put in place immediately to help the cyclists, particularly the 11 candidates for the Asian Games this November in Guangzhou, China. The said nominees were all winners in the unified race conducted by the Philippine Olympic Committee.

“Those athletes need equipment, training and proper nutrition. On paper, we have a strong chance in road race in the Asiad and BMX in other international competitions, kaya kailangan natin itong matutukan,” said Juico.

Juico added that he is already looking for the revival of the fabled ‘Tour of Luzon’ as an avenue to discover new talents and develop them to become world-class cyclists.

“Several companies and individuals have already signified their intention to help us finance the revival of the Tour of Luzon in April next year. After this, maybe we can start planning for the Tour ng Pilipinas and even a Tour of the World,” said Juico.

Other elected officials were Ricky Cruz (Executive Vice President), Marcelino Abesamis (VP Luzon), Cesar Filosopo (VP Visayas), Rodolfo Arroyo (VP Mindanao), Cornelio Baylon Jr. ( Treasurer), Armando Bautista (sec-gen), Loy Cruz, Bibiano Laspuna, Regino de Guzman, Mikee Romero, Col. Arnold Taberdo and Pio Chua (Directors).