Unbeaten, narrow path tests cross country riders

NAY PYI TAW – A narrow 4.5 kilometer dirt road accessible only to two hikers walking side by side poses as the biggest challenge for four Filipino bikers and 40 others from 10 countries who will negotiate the four-loop 30 km cross country event at the Mt. Pleasant cycling at 9 a.m. today outside the city limits.

The 4.5 km path comprises one loop which the cyclists will traverse four times in individual competitions in a terrain known only to Myanmar cyclists until the venue was opened to other countries yesterday.

“We have studied the course, and it’s really going to be a big challenge for our boys,” said national coach Cesar Lobramonte on the eve of competitions.

How one could squeeze past 43 others to get to the front of the pack is a test of tactical play, where elbowing will be allowed in a tight situation.

The 44 riders will take starting grid according to their pre-determined ranking. Of the four-man entry, Alvin Benosa will start at no. 10, with  Eusebio Quinones at No. 20, March McQuinn Aleonar at No. 34 and Nino Surban at No. 42.

Benosa got an inkling of the shape of things to come when he fell off his bike in yesterday’s practice and bruised his leg, although Lobramonte said the injury was minor.

The women’s cross country relay was held yesterday but the Philippines couldn’t form a team, given notice of the holding of the event only last month.

“We were not able to form a team on short notice,” said Lobramonte.