Calla edges Quintia, Cardona, cops AboitizPower Tour diadem

MANILA, Philippines - Seasoned rider Ricky Calla pulled the rug from under Von Dutch riders Aaron Quintia and Archie Cardona, ruling the final Stage Three and copping the overall individual title at the close of the AboitizPower Tour of Clark at the former US air base in Pampanga last Sunday.

The 37-year-old cyclist from Quezon City and competing for Sante Barley, nipped Quintia and Cardona in a frenetic down-to-the-wire finish, winning by few inches.

“I placed fifth in the criterium which Quintia and Cardona dominated so I really went out for a win. We were neck-and-neck from the start but I struck when I found a chance,” said Calla who together with Quintia submitted 2:06:58 in the 80-km race.

Along with a solid performance in the Stage One team trial, Calla pooled in a three-day aggregate time at 3:40:13 to become the best rider in the Category two (Advance) in the two-day bikefest organized by Bike King headed by Raul Cuevas and presented by AboitizPower.

His teammates Ian Atendido and Mervin Santiago placed second and third in the overall race with 3:40:19 and 3:42:40, respectively, to complete an impressive showing by Sante Barley, which also emerged as the top team with a total clocking of 13:21:21.

“We didn’t expect it but every time that we compete, we give our best in the hope that we would win,” added Calla.

Fitness First’s Doray Ellis ruled the female side in the event backed by AboitizPower and SN AboitizPower, Shimano, Maxxis, OtterBox, Unilab Active Health, Orbea, Crystal Clear, Clark Freeport Philippines, Gatorade, Enervon HP, Bikers’ Café, Fontana Leisure Park, and Men’s Health and Women’s Health magazines.

The 42-year-old sales executive of TV5 negotiated the final race (Stage 2) in 2:22:13 to foil 17-year old Mary Joyce Monton of Franzia (2:22:17) and Bic Ferreria of Unilab Active Health (2:26:24).

The 42-year old Ellis clocked a total time of 3:35:42 covering Stages 1 and 2. Ferreria of UAH took the silver in 3:39:56 while Alisa Dicarpio of PLDT Bike King finished third in 3:48:16.

In other stage results, 7-Eleven riders Richard Nebres clocked 2:10:05, Andrew Chinalpan timed 2:13:04 and Dennis Nebres turned in a 2:14:16 clocking to sweep Category 3 (Intermediate) while Alfie Tangzo (2:17:40) and Arvin Catan (2:17:53) took the gold and bronze medals, respectively, for Excellent Noodles Cycling Team with 57-year old rider from San Fernando, Pampanga Josen Yalung bagging the silver medal (2:17:50) in the Category 4 (Novice).

In the General Classification race, Kristian Reyes of Aboitiz Power Cycling Team 1 timed 3:51:42 while Trevor Tan of Giant Racing Team clocked 3:52:59.

 and Sebastian Baquiran of Unilab Active Health (4:00:25) topping Category 3. Over at the Team GC, Sante Barley emerged as champion with a time of 13:21:21 while Excellent Noodles Cycling Team (13:28:53) and Fitness First (13:33:23) finishing respectively won the silver and bronze medals.