Tour of Subic 2014

Two weeks ago, we were at the Subic Bay Freeport Zone, former home of the US 7th Fleet, to join the United Health Tour of Subic, a 2-day, 3-stage, road race. The current generation of Filipinos always believed that Subic was developed by the American military. Wrong. In fact, it was established by Spain back in 1885 as a ship repair facility and the Americans took over after they defeated Spain after the Spanish-American War.

History was far from the combined thoughts of team Sky Logistics-Davis Paint that day, what was in our minds was the rising mercury and the chain-saw profile of the last two stages. The team was made up of Tats Codina, Jong Sepulveda, Christian Entica, Ias Camilo, Kiko Lim and Ramon Vidal. Ome Rodriguez was also there but he rode for team Mossimo. Amon Espinosa, who would win two stages and probably the overall, except for a broken chain, was riding for Franzia. He was with another bisdak, Paeng Amroganda of Negros. Another Cebuano, Arthur Estopo, was also present and riding for team Shell.

Stage 1 was a 20km Individual time trial in the early morning. With the ironed roads, very minimal traffic, respectful motorist and a well-trained traffic force, bicycle racing is a joy in Subic. I did a very respectable ride everything considered. Amon and Paeng won in their respective cats.

Stage 2 was a 60km road race on a 20km circuit. The race started at exactly 2pm, and it was the hottest race I’ve ever experienced. Only the thousands of huge fruit bats, hanging on the trees, were there to watch us. The monkeys that prowl along the race routes were probably having their siesta.

The climbs were not that steep and that long but the repetition and especially the burning sun slowly drained me of my energy. Unfortunately, Gerald Revilla of Ormoc Cycling team took a tumble during a very rapid descent of the first lap, breaking his Ridley in three places. Except for a few bruises, he was ok.

Stage 3 was a 90km monster, an out and back race- Subic-Moron (Bataan)- Subic. Along the route were two really long and steep climbs, another two intermediate climbs and just 12km of flat roads. You get the picture. The race started at exactly 5:50AM,a very early start to avoid the midday heat. Man, it was a struggle! I don’t know how many times I wanted to stop but with our support crew of one, Angie, not on the designated spot, there was no choice but to slog on. In hindsight, it was just as well that he went MIA otherwise, I would have really been disappointed to myself for not finishing.

To sum it up, I would not miss this race as long as I’m still riding and I’m healthy. The Tour of Subic is a no brainer for those who want to race and have fun. The Tour of Matabunkay and the Vuelta Dagupan are great races, but are too competitive. Matabunkay, Batangas, is devoid of any out of racing fun, while in Baguio, it seemed like we were always in a hurry to the race start.

Finally, its not only great racing and fun in Subic but the beef belly in Meat Plus diner is pure heaven. Don’t ever miss it when you’re there!

Finally, thanks to our sponsors, Sky Logistics, Davis Paints, Alpine Electrical Supply and Vios Construction……Thanks also to the organizers Raul Cuevas and Ting Joson for being very considerate without request.