Epic climbs with SUUNTO Big Rides

MANILA, Philippines -  Scenic roads, steep climbs, and professional-grade team support were in store for participants of the first leg of “SUUNTO Big Rides”. Held on the roads of Tagaytay and Batangas, recreational and competitive cyclists took on the challenge of completing a hilly, 120 kilometer route with several, grueling climbs to hone their skills.

Organized by Coach Andy Leuterio of Alpha Training Systems, SUUNTO Big Rides is a series of cycling camps ideal for the competitive cyclist or triathlete looking for high quality riding time to develop his fitness and hone his riding skills in the company of other like-minded athletes.

“It is patterned after professional cycling camps in Europe or the US, where cyclists attend camps that are several days long so they can just focus on cycling with few distractions. These camps are usually done several months before an important race so they can identify their strengths and weaknesses and work on team cohesion,” says Coach Andy.

“Realizing that most working people really have only the weekend to train hard, we took the concept and condensed it into a big training weekend,” he explains. “It’s true that roadies and triathletes already have big training weekends on their own, but what we offer is a professionally organized experience where all logistics are taken care of. Just show up and ride your bike. Let us worry about your support car, mechanical repairs, and accommodations. You’re no longer limited to the routes that are immediately accessible from your home,” he concludes.

The route of the first SUUNTO Big Rides took cyclists from Alabang up towards Tagaytay, down towards Nasugbu, then onto five steep hills before finishing at the world class Pico de Loro Resort in Hamilo Coast, Batangas.

With over 1,150 meters of total climbing, and with the hardest climb ascending 150 meters in just 1.5 kilometers on a 14-15% gradient, SUUNTO Big Rides is not for the faint of heart. Rather, it is for the experienced, hard-working cyclist who will treat each “Big Ride” as a personal milestone and another step upwards on his athletic development.

Support And Gear (SAG) Vehicles were provided by Hyundai, the Official Vehicle of the training camp. All SAG Vehicles were stocked with food, ice, water, and 100 Plus – the Official Hydration Partner – with one Grand Starex van carrying spare parts and a Mechanic’s Team courtesy of Dan’s Bike Shop. On arrival at Pico de Loro, participants were treated to a sumptuous lunch while Glenn Colendrino of Primo Cycles gave a demonstration of their Retul 3D Motion Capture bike fitting system. Coach Andy Leuterio also gave a talk on training and racing with Heart Rate Monitors and Power Meters.

SUUNTO Big Rides was also supported by its Media Partner “Multisport” Magazine, Monster Muesli, LPGMA, Pico de Loro, and All Terra Cyclery. Inquiries about succeeding “SUUNTO Big Rides” can be directed to Coach Andy Leuterio at [email protected].