Giro d'Italia

The second biggest stage race in the world after the Tour de France started last Friday but the top three finishers of last year are not there to contest for the Maglia Rosa (pink jersey). Defending champion Denis Menchov of Russia has decided a long time ago that the last week of this years race is too hard and might affect his preparation for the Tour this July. Last year, he had a disappointing Tour so he decided to changed his preparation this year.

Runner-up Danilo diLuca has been suspended after a positive dopoe test and 3rd placer Franco Pelizotti, who also won the climbers jersey in the Tour last year, has been suspended on the eve of the Giro for irregular blood values.

So this year’s race will be without a favorite but the winner will most likely come from the group of Cadel Evans, Carlos Sastre, Ivan Basso, Bradley Wiggins and the controversial Alexander Vinokourov.

Another of last year’s Giro heroes, Mark Cavendish, won’t be here. The Manx Missile, who won 3 stages last year, will racing later this month in the Tour of California with Lance Armstrong due to the wishes of his sponsors.

It would be interesting how the Giro will fare this year without a star rider. Last year, Lance was here and was the star. This year, doping is the main issue.

(for LIVE internet video streaming, go to www.steephill.tv. Coverage starts around 9PM)

Cleaning up this mess

I’m not a political pundit so I won’t tell dip my fingers where it doesn’t belong. But the election posters that has “ugly-fied” the city just can’t be disregarded. Current posters has been covered by newer posters to be covered again and again and again. Then there are those ubiquitous ribbons giving color to a candidate that seems to be flying all over the place.

I’m tired of seeing those posters plastered all over our walls at home. even the traffic signs haven’t been spared.I have to wonder how effective they are in influencing people. As far as I’m concerned, they are just dirtying up the city.

I wonder if there is a plan in place on what to do with all these garbage once the elections are over. Will there be a “Sinulog-like” clean up tomorrow? Better that they have someone like Hercules to clean up this mess like he did the mythological Aegean stables. However, the trash is not a myth, its real. I hope that those concerned won’t wait for June and let the rains to do the job.

The Race to Greenhouse

Greenhouse is the name use by local cyclist to describe an observatory in Barangay Taptap. Riding a bicycle to Greenhouse is not a joke especially with all the steep climbs along the way.

This weekend, there will be a race to Greenhouse organized by Jerome Rodriguez. Two road categories and one MTB cat will be included. If you want to see Cebu’s premier MTBr Niño Surban in action, then be there early since the race will start at 7am. There is a new rider, a kid named Rollie, who is expected to challenge Nino’s reign. I’ve never seen this Rollie up close but they say he’s good. We’ll see!

If you want to join, please register at Willy’s store in Busay. There will be no on-site registration.

May 9, 2010 RACE RESULTS MANDAUE RECLAMATION AREA CRIT

CAT B: 1- ORLAN TORING, 2- BOY PAGNANAWON, 3- RICKY ERMITANIO

CAT C 1- TATA CODINA, 2- HYDE ESMALIN, 3- DANNY SIMBAJON, 4- RONALD NAVARRO, 5- TYRE LAMBO, 6- RYAN OCANADA, 7- RONNIE ADLAWAN

CAT C2: 1- CRISPIN SOLON, 2- NELSON JACA, 3- MARIO RAMA, 4- EDITO JONCA, 5- JAIME NOYNAY

Finally, I’ll predict that the NBA Finals will be rematch of last years Finals between the LA Lakers and the Orlando Magic. As far as Cleveland is concerned, I don’t think that Lebron James, in spite of his monster talent, can overcome a talented and improved Magic team all by himself. Another prediction: LA repeats! – THE FREEMAN