Cebu Challenge Mountainbike Race, Local execs throw full support

CEBU, Philippines - The local officials of three component cities and four municipalities involved in the 'Cebu Challenge Mountainbike One Day Road Race' have thrown their all-out support to the event set to take place on November 18 from Talisay City up to the northwestern Cebu town of Tuburan and vice versa passing through the Naga-Uling road  and the Magdugo-Media Onse road  in Toledo City.

Led by Cebu First District congressional aspirant Samsam Gullas, who is also the chairman of Talisay City Sports Commission, and Tuburan Mayor Democrito "Aljun" M. Diamante, the top officials of the cities of Naga and Toledo as well as the towns of Minglanilla, Asturias and Balamban have also expressed their full backing to the cash- rich tilt that offers over P100,000 in cash prizes to the top performers.

"I would like to extend my profound gratitude to Samsam Gullas, Mayor Diamante of Tuburan and the rest of the local government officials who are fully supporting this endeavor," said race organizer and Cebu Sports Hall of Famer David "Kuya Boy" Odilao, Jr.  

"It's really been my desire to contribute something for the development of mountainbike here and hopefully discover new talents in the sport," added Odilao, who is highly regarded as the trailblazer of major events in the province that are of great historical and religious value such as the Sinulog, Bahug-Bahug sa Mactan and the Tour of  Cebu.

Some private entities are also behind the noble project of Odilao including the MSY Foundation, Inc. of noted Cebuana philantrophist Mariquita Salimbangon-Yeung and the Cebu Unified Eagles Club under the dynamic leadership of Dr. Bert Alvarado.

The individual contest features six categories: men's open/elite, women's open, juniors, seniors, executives, and fat boys. The road race is divided into two stages - from Talisay to Tuburan via Balamban and then from Tuburan back to Talisay.

The top five finishers in each stage will receive cash prizes. The organizers will give the riders a few hours rest before proceeding to the next stage.

A separate award courtesy of the Tropang Guardians will be given to the fastest pedal-pusher to navigate the Naga-Uling road as well as that of the Magdugo-Media Onse route.

Alvarado has also promised a beautifully-crafted Presidential Cup and an additional P5,000 bounty to the rider who will be able to top the two stages.

Registration is now going on and will end on November 15. Entry forms are available at the Chopstick Chinese Casual Chow-Shopwise branch, Edfil Restaurant at Citi Center and at Cycle Logic in Parkmall.

Entry fee is pegged at P300 inclusive of a race bib and jersey, packed lunch and certificate of participation.

For further details, one may call race director Joe Deresas at 0933-1353272 or technical committee chief Eddie Filosopo at 0917-4606111. (FREEMAN)