Cyclists bare PCF anomalies

A dozen cyclists who were recently “dropped” from the national team yesterday spilled the beans against officials of the Philippine Cycling Federation.

Carlo Jazul, the group’s spokesman, enumerated before the Scoop sa Kamayan forum the anomalies and irregularities going on within the PCF.

Jazul, who was accompanied by seven other cyclists in the forum, said equipment requested by the PCF and provided by the Philippine Sports Commission do not reach the cyclists.

“They (cycling officials) would say that our requests were denied when in fact it was already delivered. Instead, the equipment would land in a bike shop,” Jazul claimed.

He alleged that a US-made bike worth P298,000 that was purchased was never used by the athletes because what was given them was a bike worth P190,000 and made in Taiwan.

The STAR tried to get a comment from a PCF official but to no avail.

Jazul said similar instances happened regarding the purchase of other parts and necessities, from wheels, sprackets, Rudy Project sunglasses used in racing, and cycling shoes.

“And they get to choose first. We have to settle with what’s left. There is also overpricing of some parts, like a group set from P45,000 to P70,000,” added Jazul.

Joining Jazul in the cause are 2007 SEA Games gold medalists Alfie Catalan and Marites Bitbit, and Eusebio Quinones, Paulo Manapul, Niño Surban, Mark Julius Bonzo, March McQuin Aleonar, Arnold Marcelo, Nilo Estayo, Edwin Niyo and Warren Davadilla.

They signed a letter of complaint last Jan. 8 and forwarded it to the PCF officials and the Philippine Sports Commission. But they have yet to receive a favorable response.

Instead, they were all dropped from the national team.

“They keep telling us that the entire team was disbanded. But what we know is that only those of us who signed the letter were dropped from the team,” said Jazul. – Abac Cordero