Tanduay still upbeat for decent finish

TAGAYTAY City — Even with their top gun conceding defeat just three laps into the Air21 2004 Tour Pilipinas, Tanduay Rhum officials remain upbeat of their chances in the team competition and have vowed to continue support in the years to come.

"You can’t win them all," said Larry Li, Tanduay’s advertising manager who is with the team through the entire 2,758.69 journey from Sorsogon to Manila. "Our top rider has abandoned hopes of individual glory. His sights are now set on helping the team."

"This is just a bump on the road for the team," added Li. "The team is still determined and Arnel will be of great help. His condition is improving and we expect the team to make its move in the next couple of laps."

The recent setback notwithstanding, Li re-affirmed the company’s support, making sure that all logistical support is made available in the Rhum Riders‚ quest to improve on a fourth place finish last year.

The Rhum Riders are lagging behind in the team standings after Quirimit, complaining of a flu, checked in 73rd from among 84 riders in the Tour’s first true test Friday, a 207.1-kilometer sojourn from Daet in Camarines Norte to Lucena in Quezon.