RP Pagcor Casino team seeks PhilCycling nod for Langkawi

The Pagcor Casino Filipino Cycling team hopes to get the endorsement from the Integrated Cycling Federation of the Philippines (PhilCycling) to be able to compete against some of the world’s best riders in the TM Le Tour de Langkawi slated Feb. 3-12 in Malaysia.

The squad, composed of the finest riders in the land, has been invited to see action in the annual tournament, which offers a total prize purse of $140,000, including a separate Asian category prize list of $17,000 where the Filipino cyclists are expected to see action.

"On behalf of the Directors of First Cartel and the TM Le Tour de Langkawi, we would like to invite the Casino Filipino cycling team to participate in the 2006 Tour de Langkawi," said Simon Donnellan, Tour de Langkawi managing director, in his letter to Pagcor sports director Louie Carlos.

The invite is extended to six riders and five officials, including team manager.

The trade team is headed by country‚s top riders, including 2004 Tour Pilipinas champion Rhyan Tanguilig, Victor Espiritu, Lloyd Reynante, Merculio Ramos, Bernardo Luzon, Albert Primero, Orly Villanueva, Ronald Gorantes, Sherwin Diamsay and Sherwin Carrera.

"We have already submitted all the papers needed to the federation," said Carlos. "The boys are raring to battle it out against some of the world’s best riders."

The RP-Pagcor riders failed to compete in the prestigious event this year in a big disappointment not only for the RP bets but for the RP cycling as well. The Pinoy cyclists dished out a successful run in 2004 when Merculio Ramos became the first Asian and Filipino to win the yellow jersey in the tough international race featuring top riders from Asia, Europe and the United States.

Pagcor, the main sponsor of the Casino Filipino Trade team, is also one of the backers of PhilCycling, having funded its continuing Velo Cycling Challenge that PhilCycling has organized. Pagcor was also the main sponsor of the RP cycling team in the recent 23rd SEA Games.