Exec riders gird up for LPGMA open

MANILA, Philippines - More than 200 executive cyclists from 25 teams have trained their sights on the top prize of the LPGMA Executive National Championship set to fire off Nov. 28 on Daang Hari Road in Cavite.

The fastest rider in the individual time trial of the 11.8-kilometer race automatically earns the prestige of wearing the rainbow jersey – the tournament’s symbol of leadership – for the entire 2011 Philippine Premiere Cycling League season.

LPGMA representative Arnel Ty said participating teams will also race against the clock in the team time trial event which covers a distance of 35.4 kilometers.

Riders will be categorized into Classes A and B executive riders, masters, junior and women’s during the one-day bikathon organized by American Vinyl and LPGMA, a partylist group which helps sustain the development of the sport.

“Putting up more races presents more opportunity for the riders to hone their skills and be in tip-top shape. This is our way of helping the sport of cycling,” said Ty, whose group also organized the Tour of Luzon the past two years.

GeoEstate-The Beacon skipper Eric Buhain will be one of the top riders to watch in the individual event after the former Philippine Sports Commission and Games and Amusement Board chair kept his team in the thick of the fight for the overall crown in the just-concluded PPCL season.

Fitness First ruled the six-leg 2010 PPCL during its finale in Matabungkay three months ago but not after encountering stiff competition from LPGMA, Mosimo, GeoEstate-The Beacon and American Vinyl.

Other teams expected to participate in the national championships and vie for next year’s season crown are Bont Cycling Team led by lawyer Byron San Pedro, Pioneer Insurance, yellow Cab, PLDT, Franzia, Sunto, Heritage, Cotton Club, Full Circle, 7-11 and Jack Motors, among others.

Two two cycling Tour champion and race director Rene Dolosa said there will be four major races next season, including legs in Clark, Subic, Sierra Madre and Mabitac, and several classic races.

Dolosa said at least 25 teams are anticipated to join the bikathon during its two-week registration period starting next week.