Reynante makes final ride, 67

MANILA, Philippines - Former cycling champion Manuel “Maui” Reynante died in a bike accident yesterday afternoon in Muntinlupa City. He was 67.

Reynante was biking along East Service road, Barangay Sucat, with son Lloyd Reynante, also a champion rider, when he fell off his bike about 1 p.m.

Lloyd said he did not see how his father fell but told policemen that his father might have suffered from a heart attack.

“Sabi ni Lloyd may narinig siyang lumagabog. Pag lingon niya nakita niya yung tatay niya,” said Chief Inspector Giovanni Martinez, head of the city police’s intelligence unit.

Reynante was a two-time Tour of Luzon winner (1977 and 1980). He returned to the country last March after living in the US for 15 years, said Martinez.

Reynante’s body was brought to Lim De Mesa Funeral Home. The family has turned down request for autopsy.