Tuburan to field in 30 riders for cash-rich cycling tourney

CEBU, Philippines - The municipal government of Tuburan under the dynamic leadership of Mayor Democrito "Aljun" M. Diamante will be fielding in 30 pedal-pushers for the Cebu Challenge Mountainbike One-Day Road slated on November 18 from Talisay City up to the northwestern Cebu town of Tuburan and vice versa passing through the Naga-Uling Road and the Magdugo-Media Onse Road in Toledo City.

"We are shouldering the registration fee of at least 30 riders from Tuburan as part of our all-out support to this event," said Diamante in a press conference yesterday at Chopstick Chinese Casual Chow-Shopwise branch in Brgy. Mambaling, this city. "Definitely this is not the last. This is just the beginning of our support for this worthwhile project in the years ahead."

Diamante made special mention of race organizer and Cebu Sports Hall of Famer David "Kuya Boy" Odilao, Jr., who is responsible for the 'cycling renaissance' in this side of the archipelago. Two months ago, Odilao organized with flying colors the Cebu Challenge Cycling Classic, a revival of the Tour of Cebu he founded three decades ago.

"I hope this event will end up smoothly and successfully. Rest assured our continued backing to this noble and laudable project spearheaded by Kuya Boy Odilao," said Diamante, in recognition of Odilao dedicated efforts geared towards the further promotion and development of Cebu cycling as well as discovering new talents in the sport.

Aside from the seven local government units involved led by Talisay City through its sports commission chairman Samsam Gullas, some private entities are also behind the project of Odilao including the MSY Foundation, Inc. of Cebuana philantrophist Mariquita Salimbangon-Yeung and the Cebu Unified Eagles Club headed by its president Dr. Bert Alvarado.

For the race itself, some of the country's top riders have already confirmed their entry in the cash-rich event that offers a total of P115,000 in prizes to the different category winners.

Among the high-profile cyclists set to plunge into action are Cebu's pride John Renee Mier and Nino Surban along with the multi-titled triathlete and 'Ironman" challenger Noy Jopson, Warren Tapic, Nilo Barbalose, Ramon Espinosa, and J-Bop Pagnanawon among others.

Aside from the men's elite/open, the other categories to be contested women's open, juniors, seniors, executives, and fat bikers. The road race is divided into two stages - from Talisay to Tuburan via Balamban and then from Tuburan back to Talisay.

All the top five finishers in each category will receive corresponding cash prizes. The champion in the elite/ open division will pocket P5,000, while the second to fourth will take home P4,000, P3,000, P2,000, and P1,000, respectively.

The stage winners as well as the champion in the fat bikers, women's open, juniors, seniors and executive division will get P3,000 each.

A separate award and a cash bounty amounting to P12,000 courtesy of the Tropang Guardians will be given to the fastest participant to navigate the Naga-Uling road as well as that of the Magdugo-Media Onse route.

Alvarado has also promised a beautifully-crafted Presidential Cup and an additional P5,000 bounty to the rider who will be able to top the two stages.

Meanwhile, race director Joe Deresas is reminding all those who are interested to join the race that they only have until November 16 to enlist. Entry forms are available at the Chopstick Chinese Casual Chow-Shopwise branch, Edfil Restaurant at Citi Center and at Cycle Logic in Parkmall.

Entry fee is pegged at P300 inclusive of a race bib and jersey, packed lunch and certificate of participation.

For further details, one may call Deresas at 0933-1353272 or technical committee chief Eddie Filosopo at 0917-4606111. (FREEMAN)