Keeps yellow jersey in Cebu Challenge Cycling Classic

CEBU, Philippines - Cebu's hometown pride John Renee Mier of Team LBC-A bravely navigated a grueling 101-kilometer race from the city proper to Bogo to rule stage 1 of the five-day Cebu Challenge Cycling Classic yesterday.

The 20-year-old Mier started out so cool, dealing with traffic from the Cebu provincial capitol to Consolacion on a rolling start under the scorching heat of the sun.

Riemon Lapaza of Butuan's Cycle Line Extreme was more aggressive, leading the pack in the early goings. He easily cruised to the first sprint line where most sugar mills are found in Danao City.

LPG’s Cris Joven came out second in the sprint followed by another Cycle Line rider Tots Olidan.

The first three riders to cross the sprint line earned 3, 2 and 1 points, respectively, making them the top contenders for the Sprint King award.

At kilometer 66, Mangaldan, Pangasinan team captain Arnel Quirimit outsmarted Lapaza to grab the no.1 spot of the King of the Mountain going into today's stage 2 from Bogo to Toledo City. LPG-American Vynil skipper Irish Valenzuela wound up third.

But instead of pulling away, the three were caught with the second group including Mier.

In Brgy. Logo, Mier was already in front with 14 others and he was tightly guarded as the battle reached the climax.

Banking on sheer determination and will power, Mier managed to hang on to cross the finish line with the best time of two hours, 13 minutes and 48.32 seconds.

“It's my first time to join a race here and I just gave my best shot," said Mier, who delivered gold for the Philippines during last year's Southeast Asian (SEA) Games in Indonesia.

Interestingly, Mier was just a wheel ahead of LPG's Rustom Lim, who timed two hours, 13 minutes and 58.32 seconds. Cris Joven wound up third with the time of 2:14:08.32. - THE FREEMAN