Tough Baguio climb to decide Le Tour champ

MANILA, Philippines - The coaches of the five Philippine teams vying against 12 fancied foreign squads in the 2012 Le Tour de Filipinas agreed the climb to Baguio City via the Cordilleras’ back door in the final stage of the race presented by Air21 would determine this year’s champion.

Johnny Borja of Go21, Renato Dolosa of LPGMA/American Vinyl, Neil Barlis of Mail and More, Bert Oconer of Smart-PhilCycling national team and Bernardo Llentada of Kia all said the climb from Bayombong City to Burnham Park in the April 17 fourth stage of the race is treacherous and will decide the winner in the event held in partnership with Smart and backed by Foton and Jinbei.

“It’s steep and no time to strategize,” said Dolosa, a two-time Tour champion, of the route in the fourth stage that has never been used in the 58-year history of the local tour, in Filipino.

“Unlike Kennon Road, you have to plan well before tackling the route,” said Borja, who, like Dolosa, has tested with his wards the route over the Cordilleras that despite its reputation, passes through a scenic mountainous backdrop, including the Ambuklao Dam and Luzon’s highest peak, Mt. Pulag. A 153-km grind, the stage consists of two King of the Mountain summits situated roughly 5,000 feet above sea level.

Oconer said he and his national riders see the fourth stage as an acid test, admitting local riders have adopted to the Kennon Road climb that they could reach the summit even with their eyes closed. But this one would be different.

“It’s entirely different,” said Oconer. “You would need solid preparation and concentration plus teamwork.”

Barlis echoed Oconer’s observation about the importance of teamwork. “In the fouth stage, pacing is important. Otherwise, we will all be left behind (by the foreign bets),” he said.