Champ banners Phl cast in BGC 40K Challenge ride

MANILA, Philippines - Three-time Tour de France green jersey winner Robbie McEwen banners a field of over 2,300 cyclists hitting the road in the inaugural BGC Cycle Philippines today inside Bonifacio Global City in Taguig.

Australian star McEwen, the best sprinter of the 2002, 2004 and 2006 editions of the Tour de France and currently Cycle Asia’s ambassador, will ride with local cyclists in Sunday’s 40km Challenge ride, the highlight of the event put up by title sponsor BGC and organized by Sunrise Events, Inc.

BGC Cycle Philippines follows the tradition of the successful Cycle Asia events in the region. Cycle Asia is a network of premier cycling events that offer riders the rare opportunity to ride in major Asian cities.

The novel event, featuring cyclists of all ages and abilities, will have participants test their skills in The Tricycle Ride, The Kids’ Ride, The Community Ride (20km and 40 km) and The Challenge (40km) that features McEwen. All kids’ ride will be held today while mass-participation rides will blast off tomorrow.

“I’m looking forward to riding with Filipino cyclists,” McEwen said in a presscon with Sunrise Events, Inc. chairman and president Wilfred Steven Uytengsu, Spectrum managing director Chris Cobb, and Firefly Brigade president Karen Crisostomo.

“It’s so good to see people pick up cycling for recreation,” added McEwen, winner of over 200 races in his career.

BGC Cycle Philippines kicked off yesterday with registration and ride package collection, the opening of the Cycling and Lifestyle Expo, a Meet and Greet with McEwen, and cocktails.

On his first visit to typhoon-ravaged Phl, McEwen took the opportunity to do his share by donating the Tour de France green jersey he won in 2002 for auction. Proceeds of the worldwide online auction, which will last until Friday next week, will go to efforts to “help rebuild the lives of people affected by super typhoon Yolanda.”

“We have our share of natural disasters in Australia so I feel for the victims of the typhoon. I didn’t have to think twice to say that yes, I wanna be part (of relief efforts),” said McEwen.

SEI chief Uytengsu, who also organizes the annual Ironman Philippines, Xterra and Ironkids events, said BGC Cycle Philippines, is not really about competition but participation, about encouraging Filipinos to ride and live a healthy lifestyle.

“SEI’s goal is to stage world-class events and promote a healthy lifestyle among families. We have seen the growth of triathlon and running and we see cycling to be moving in the same direction,” said Uytengsu.

For his part, Robb said: “We are delighted to be expanding Cycling Asia to the Philippines and we look forward to working alongside Sunrise Events who have built an outstanding reputation for delivering first-class sporting events.”

Other backers of the event, also held for the benefit of the Firefly Brigade are F2P, Felt Bicycles, Garmin, Gatorade, Intercare, Lexus, Manila Water, The Philippine STAR, Red Garlic, Rudy Project, Seda, Walter Bread and MMDA.