Former champs lead quest for LBC berths

MANILA, Philippines — A total of 322 cyclists, led by former champions Santy Barnachea and Irish Valenzuela and SEA Games triathlon gold medalist Nikko Huelgas, aim for spots in the LBC Ronda Pilipinas main race early next year as they compete in the Luzon qualifying race set Saturday in Tarlac City.

Barnachea, 41, is looking to make it to the main race tentatively set March 1 next year and earn a shot for a third title in this annual LBC-bankrolled race after winning the inaugurals in 2012 and the fifth staging in 2015.

Valenzuela, the 2013 Ronda titlist now working in Dubai, for his part, also returns to action after sitting out the last two years following a road accident.

Huelgas, on the other hand, said the event will serve as part of his buildup for future triathlon races, including the 2018 Asian Games in Palembang, Indonesia and the 2019 Manila SEAG.

Junrey Navarra, the former Ronda King of the Mountain winner, is also back in the hunt following a one-year absence.

Navy’s Jan Paul Morales, the reigning Ronda champ, is one of the 20 qualified riders but he decided to join the one-day race, which stakes P30,000 to the champion, P20,000 and P10,000 to the second and third placers, respectively, as part of his buildup for his title defense.

Only 38 slots are up for grabs in the one-day elims covering 180 kilometers. It will start in front of the Tarlac Provincial Capitol and will end on a mountain top at Monasterio de Tarlac.

Another qualifying race has been set on Oct. 21 in Danao, Cebu where 38 more spots will be staked.

LBC Ronda project director Moe Chulani said the champion in the main race will receive P1 million courtesy of LBC.

“The LBC Ronda Pilipinas is upon us again, and just like in our past editions, we’re hoping to produce champions and attract talented young riders,” said Chulani.