RP bikers test mettle in Malaysia

Former Marlboro Tour champion Victor Espiritu and recent FedEx Express Tour king Santy Barnachea will banner the RP-Air 21 National Cycling Team that will pit guts and skills against the best of Asia in the first Gamuda Eagle Tour of Malaysia, which is slated at the island paradise of Langkawi from Aug. 14 to 18.

Espiritu, who missed the FedEx Tour due to his military training, is in tip-top shape and raring to lead the crack RP team that also boasts of veterans Enrique Domingo, Merculio Ramos, Emilio Atilano and Villamor Baluyut.

But the nationals, who left yesterday afternoon for Kuala Lumpur, will have their hands full against Asia’s best riders, such as Wong Kam Po of Hong Kong and Commonwealth Games silver medalist Nor Effandy Rosly of Malaysia.

"Mabigat ang laban, pero maganda ang morale ng team dahil sa suportang binigay nina Air 21 chairman Bert Lina and president Lito Alvarez," said Espiritu.

The country’s No. 1 rider considers the powerhouse Team KL as their fiercest rival as it is a virtual selection of Asia’s best riders. Nor Effandy will be among the big names in Team KL’s lineup, which also includes Tsen Seong Hoong, two-time Le Tour de Langkawi Asian category winner Wong, Wong Ah Thiam, Musairi Musa and Lee Robert.

The bikefest, which is classified as a 2.6 race, is organized by local event company Clear Mission Sdn. Bhd, offers a total prize money of $52,000 (P2,652,000).