Rider of the month

Congratulations to Manny Secretaria for securing Cebu Cycling's (CC)Rider of the MonthSeries (CAT C) overall honors for the month of November! I thought that the final race would have to be postponed for another day after the early morning downpour made the roads slippery. But the roads dried soon enough though.The rest of the top 5 included Ronnie Adlawan, Raldy Vios, Osias Camilo and Mark Ylanan. Mark, who also acts as CC's chief race marshal and on the comeback trail, won the final race last Saturday.

The Rider of the Month (ROM) was started about five years ago and the winners then included Neil Duhaylungsod, Xerox Lauron, Ciano Dignos, Ian Colina, HaylinBardaje- riders who have decided to take a break from the sport except for Haylin.

The ROM's revival was due to the marked increase in popularity in competitive cycling geared for the executive riders (or categorized events)in the country today. CC thought that we could be more sharp and competitive in out of town races if we have a regular series locally. In fact, Jerome Rodriguez, Phillip Sainz, Ned Revilla and Brett Harrington are currently racing in the Tour of Dagupan, a race which includes a climb to Baguio via the Marcos Highway. I know I like climbs like fish in dry land but this race is one race in my wish list. Hopefully, our boys will do well in that event.

CC Danao-Ilihan-danao road race

To all those who want to join a century road race event locally, this coming Sunday is the day. Registration will be held at the Mandaue Reclamation Area, at the back of Cebu Doctors University, this Saturday or you can also register online at www.cebucycling.com. Remember, there will be no online registration. Since this is basically an amateur event, no pros, ex RP team, will be allowed to join the race. The race will be flagged off at 8AM at the Danao Foundation.

The Age of Aquarius with the Lakers?

As aLaker fan, I am concerned. They are not what they are since winning their first championship in the Kobe Bryant era. Well, there are no distractions, the bench is doing great, Ron-ron is behaving and they're not just winning but winning in bunches of points. Not exactly Laker-like early in the season. They're supposed to be squabbling for attention, playing time or even injuries. That's why I'm scared for the Lakers. With all the things that's going on with the Heat and the Celtics (injuries and bad formula), I just hope that the gods will still be smiling in LA this June.

Ego, greed or lack of respect?

New York Yankee shortstop Derek Jeter, who is acknowledged as the face of the team for more than a decade, has refused a $15 million, 3-year contract from the Yankee management. Jeter, 37, who is at the twilight of his career, clearly wanted more money and more years in his contract after his$189 million for 10-years ended this season. This reminded me of Latrell Sprewell, who in 2006, was offered a $21 million 3-year contract by the MinnessottaTimberwolves but declined saying, "I got a family to feed".

RACE RESULTS:

CC RIDER OF THE MONTH (NOVEMBER) OVERALL

1st- MANNY SECRETARIA 42pts, 2ND- RONNIE ADLAWAN 40

3rd- RALDY VIOS-31, 4TH- OSIAS CAMILO- 27, 5TH- Mark Ylanan, 25

November race #4 Results:

1ST- MARK YLANAN, 2ND- RONNIE ADLAWAN, 3RD- OSIAS CAMILO, 4TH- MANNY SECRETARIA, 5TH-RALDY VIOS

Finally, for all MBT enthusiasts, there is a crit held every Saturday at the SRP just after the UC Campus. Be there early.