BAGUIO , Philippines – Reeling from his failed title-retention bid in Le Tour de Filipinas, Filipino ace Mark Galedo is charging the setback to experience while moving on to the next major battle.
Galedo, the 7-Eleven Roadbike Philippines stalwart who yielded the throne to Frenchman Thomas Lebas of Bridgestone Anchor Team, will don the national colors in next week’s Asian Cycling Championships in Thailand.
“Yung ACC ang susunod na paghahandaan natin,” said the 29-year-old Galedo, who will likely compete in individual time trial (ITT) in the Asian meet.
Galedo settled for Le Tour runner-up honors after focusing too much on three-day leader Eric Sheppard, allowing Lebas to sneak past them in the final climb to this chilly mountain getaway. With Galedo and Sheppard watching each other, Lebas pounced on the opportunity to bolt from the peloton and join the Iranians’ break away en route to a third place finish in the stage and eventually the diadem.
“Sayang, hindi natin nakuha ulit ang titulo. Bawi na lang sa susunod (Tough luck, we didn’t retain the crown. Hope we can bounce back next time),” Galedo, the reigning Southeast Asian Games ITT champ, said.
Galedo earned 20 UCI points for placing second. According to 7-Eleven exec Ric Rodriguez, Galedo can console himself with the fact that “he beat all the noted Iranians, who are the best in Asia, in the Le Tour” while yielding the title to a veteran who has won a number of races including the Tour de Hokkaido in Japan.
Galedo was supposed to banner the ACC-bound Phl national team in the Le Tour but was forced to revert to his mother Continental team, 7-Eleven Roadbike at the 11th hour. This was in compliance with UCI rules barring a cyclist from playing for another team if his continental squad is competing in the same race.
The Nationals acquitted themselves well without Galedo, placing fifth in the team general classification.
Jun Rey Navarra finished 12th overall, highlighting his effort with a No. 8 ranking in Stage Four.
Ronald Oranza took runner-up honors in Stage Two (Balanga, Bataan to Iba, Zambales) and wound up 26th overall.
George Oconer placed 23rd while Ronald Lomotos was 24th and Jerry Aquino, who was sixth in Stage Three, wound up 42nd.