Tapic rules stage 2

CEBU, Philippines - Marvin Tapic, another hometown pride of Cebu, dominated stage 2 of the five-day Cebu Challenge Cycling Classic from the city of Bogo to Barba Sports Complex in Toledo yesterday.

Tapic's fellow Cebuano John Renee Mier of LBC-MVP Sports, however, retained the yellow jersey for the overall lead in the individual classfication.

Mier enjoyed a comfortable position at the forefront in most part of the 86-kilometer battle, but Tapic was just able to get away from the rest of the pack in the final three-kilometer stretch.

“It's okay, I did not pour out all my energy. My goal was to maintain my time for the overall lead," said Mier.

During the first day, Tapic tried to stage a solo breakaway in the final 15km, but decided not to push through with such daring move. Instead, he helped Mier in smoothly cruising to the finish line.

Tapic got another opportunity to come out victorious in stage 2 and he succeeded this time.

"I had a chance to win and I did not let the opportunity slip away from me this time," said the 20-year-old Tapic, who completed the lung-busting race in two hours, 17 minutes and 32.36 seconds.

Tots Oledan of Cycle Line Extreme Team of Butuan City wound up second with a 2:17:54:88 clocking while another Cycle Line rider Riemon Lapaza placed third in 2:17:53.88.

On the other hand, Chris Joven of LPG-American Venyl now leads the race for the Sprint King award after coming up with another second place finish behind Rudy Roque in sprint 2 located in Tuburan, midway of the Toledo-Bogo route.

The penultimate action today will cover a total of 186.7km from Bogo to Argao.

The five-day action will end tomorrow with the criterium race at the Cebu International Convention Center. - THE FREEMAN