MANILA, Philippines - A record purse of P7 million, the richest since the last chapter of the Marlboro Tour in 1998, awaits the toughest of the breed when the LBC Ronda Pilipinas stages the biggest revival of the fabled event September to October over the width and breadth of the archipelago.
A handsome purse of P1M for the individual winner and another P1M to the team champion, with prizes scaled down to 20th place in the individual category and to the last placer in team competition, await a select cast of riders to be chosen from five regional eliminations in Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao starting May 6-8 in Tarlac City.
Special awards, for individual stage winners and overall leaders, are in store for the top riders at the finish line of each of the12 stages spread over 20 days in key cities of the country’s major islands.
Fifteen teams – at least nine in Luzon and two each in the Visayas and Mindanao – will be formed from the provincial/regional trials. Six riders will comprise each team.
Executives of LBC Express, Inc., which is organizing the inaugural event to revive a dying sport and generate awareness for a clean environment, said the LBC Ronda Pilipinas will be a test of strength, speed and endurance over a distance of 1,680 km.
“The concept is in line with our corporate mission to provide consistent, speedy and prompt delivery services to our customers from Manila to any point in the country through our nationwide network,” said LBC Express president Juan Carlos Araneta.
The ultimate battlefield will be the back-breaking Baguio-to-Baguio stage which will test the best and most daring on two descents on Marcos Highway and the climbs on Naguilian Road and Kennon Road.
The Visayas qualifying race is scheduled May 12 in Silay City, Negros Occidental while Mindanao will hold a separate elimination May 15 in Malaybalay, Bukidnon.
A rider may choose a team based on the place of his birth or his residence during the last six months.
The next finishers, in the order of their finish, will be tapped if any of the top 6 is disqualified or withdraws.
Interested riders may secure application forms from any LBC branch nationwide and Rudy Project Stores or download them at www.rondapilipinas.com. There are no entry fees.
Applicants must properly fill out the forms and send them, along with clear photocopies of identification documents (ID) and signed waiver via LBC or personally submit them to LBC Express Solutions, Inc., LBC Ronda Pilipinas Secretariat, 2308 Natividad Bldg., Don Chino Roces Extension (Pasong Tamo), Makati.
For details and more information about the qualifying races, log on to www.facebook.com/rondapilipinas or email secretariat@rondapilipinas.com or mobile. No. 09198967554.