Plantation Bay-Team Cebu eyes its third title when the 7th Carrera Habagat Siargao-Bucas Grande Traverse kicks off today in Siargao, Surigao Del Norte.
The team won the title last year in Camotes Island and the 2004 race in Biliran City. There was no competition in 2005.
Raring to help Plantation Bay-Team Cebu take its third title are adventure athletes Ramises Urgel, Ronie Muring, RJ Balbuena and Grace Bascon.
Lloyd Debalucos and Franz Baguio are the support crew.
The team expects stiff opposition from Team Manila of Tumbie Remegio, a professional adventure racer, who led his team to the championship of the first Carrera Habagat race in Siargao.
“One of our people here (Grace Bascon) is one of their members. It’s the first time that we sponsored an adventure race team. We are supporting them financially thus, this year, they are racing under our corporate name,” said Jimmy Martinez, sports and recreations manager of Plantation Bay Resort and Spa.
“They seemed to be capable of doing well in the adventure race. I believe they would land as top finishers and they would distinguish themselves,” added Martinez.
Another Cebu team, competing under Team Pepsi, have Rico Valentin, Rodulfo Verdida, Nogie Biagan, Hazel Madamba, Franz Baguio and Macky Hermoso.
“As much as possible I would like a one-two finish for the Cebu teams,” said Ramises Urgel of Plantation Bay-Team Cebu.
Solar Sports will cover the five-day Carrera Habagat adventure race while Living Asia Channel will broadcast the event.— Marigold P. Lebumfacil