Smart-Phl squad competes in Asian cycling tiff

MANILA, Philippines - A Smart-Philippine squad brimming with youthful talent will vie for honors in the 32nd Asian Cycling Championships and 19th Asian Youth Championships Feb. 8-18 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Rustom Lim, 19, who won a road race bronze medal in last year’s Asian Youth bikefest in Bangkok, Thailand, will spearhead the Under-23 squad that also includes another promising 19-year-old, George Oconer, son of former Olympian and Tour veteran Norberto Oconer.

Both  Lim and Oconer will be competing in the track events, and will  be joined by Rudy Roque and Gerald Mendoza in the road race.

The lone track bet in the junior division is 17-year-old Ryan Bravo, who will team up with Ronald Lomotos and Maximo Ige in the road competition.

The Under-23 quartet of Lim, Oconer, Roque and Mendoza looms as the darkhorse that may pull off a surprise in the road contest, according to head coach Cesar Lobramonte.  

“We want to bring youthful riders to Malaysia since we believe that they are our future cycling stars who will eventually make their mark in overseas competitions,” said Philcycling president and Tagaytay City Mayor Bambol Tolentino shortly after the national team paid a courtesy call on Smart chief wireless advisor Orlando Vea.

“Thanks to Smart, we will be able to send these boys to the Asian championships,” Tolentino said. “Kaya nga ganado ang mga bata.”

“We welcome the opportunity to support the national cycling team, especially these young riders whom we expect to give their all against Asia’s best to bring honor and glory to our country,” Vea, for his part, said. “Go and make your countrymen proud!”

Also with the Smart-Philippine cycling squad are crack road riders composed of Southeast Asian Games double silver medalist Mark Galedo, seasoned veteran Lloyd Reynante and Jemico Brioso, who will be up against elite cyclists in Asian multi-stage races.

Smart Sports executive Epok Quimpo, who will be the team delegation head, said  backing the national team “is part of the company’s commitment in recognizing the Filipino potential in sports where they can become world-class. Cycling is one of them.”