Arnel in the heart of Tanduay tour bid

SORSOGON— More than riding for personal glory and the fortune that goes with it, Arnel Quirimit will be spearheading a Tanduay Rhum team that will pedal with a purpose in the 2004 Tour Pilipinas that wheels off here today.

The Tanduay Rhum Riders are decided underdogs in the team side of the summer’s biggest sports spectacle, but the motivation to improve on a fourth place finish last year is anchored on a milestone the giant liquor company is celebrating this year.

Tanduay is celebrating its 150th Anniversary and its theme "Celebrating the Filipino Spirit" is what’s in the minds of its riders.

Quirimit remains to be the Tour’s biggest threat and Tanduay’s heart and soul.

He gets valuable support from veteran and former champion Bernie Llentada, one of the classiest, most exciting riders this event has ever seen.

The two, however, will be trying to lead a team of virtual unknowns and untested riders in the strength-sapping journey throughout the country in the next 18 days, aiming for a decent finish that would be worthy of celebrating the Filipino spirit.

Reynaldo Navarro, Wilfredo Calosa, Marcial Robosa, Saul Severino and Julie Panong are the other members of Team Tanduay.