LeTour elite cast tackles Bicol trails

MANILA, Philippines - The Le Tour de Filipinas goes down south of Luzon for its seventh edition in 2016 with the race kicking off from Antipolo City and finishing in Legazpi City with the majestic Mayon Volcano as backdrop.

The four-stage race fires off Feb. 18 from Antipolo and will head to the south through Laguna and Quezon before winding up in bustling Lucena City.

Stage Two of the annual race on the Asia Tour of the International Cycling Union (UCI) will bring the continental team-laden entourage to Daet, Camarines Norte, on Feb. 19 while the Stage Three on Feb. 20 will be a long ride from Daet to Legaspi City where the riders get their first look at enchanting Mayon before finishing in the Albay capital of Legaspi, according to Donna Lina of the organizing Ube Media Inc.

The final stage on Feb. 21 will circle Mayon Volcano passing by the geothermal power plants in Tiwi on an out-and-back course also in Legazpi City.

Fifteen teams, including at least 12 continental squads from five continents, will be vying in the 2016 edition of the only UCI race in the country. The race will cover an approximate distance of 600 kilometers.

“It’s about time that we bring the LTdF down south, this time in the Southern Tagalog and Bicol regions to spur awareness on cycling not only as a competitive sport, but more importantly as a form of physical fitness,” said Lina.

The first six editions of the LTdF were held up north with the Cordilleras posing as the biggest challenge to the cyclists.

Two Filipinos – Baler Ravina (2012) and Mark Galedo (2014) – won the LtDF. Ireland’s David McCann topped the 2010 inaugurals, followed by Iran’s Rahem Emami in 2011. Former Asia No. 1 Ghader Mizbani prevailed in 2013 while Frenchman Thomas Lebas, riding for Japan-based Bridgestone Anchor Cycling Team, ruled the 2015 edition.