Tanduay Criterium GP goes to Pangasinan

The penultimate leg of the 2008 Tanduay National Criterium Grand Prix goes to another provincial cycling bailiwick tomorrow with the holding of the Gov. Amado Espino Cup in the bustling town of Bautista, Pangasinan.

Bautista Mayor Joey Espino will host the one-day bikefest presented by Hitachi and named in honor of his father as a climax to the colorful celebration of Pangasinan Day that began yesterday all throughout the province.

Ensuring the success of the popular circuit races is the participation of the Eastern Pangasinan Cycling Association, led by former provincial board member and EPCA president Saffe Villar.

Villar said majority of his riding members will see action in the competition organized by Pro Ads Marketing Concepts, Inc. and backed by Rudy Project, Fuji Xerox Printers, EDSA 999 Properties, D-Loads and Hi-Life Spa.

Project events director Ric Rodriguez said cyclists are in for a smooth ride along the 2.6-kilometer “hotdog” course that starts and ends in front of the Bautista Municipal Hall.

“The route looks easy with its wide lanes and flat conditions. It’s going to be a sprinter’s delight,” said Rodriguez, adding that the setting is an ideal vehicle for Quezon City Mayor Sonny Belmonte’s “Siklista ng Bayan” campaign, which is promoting the allocation of bicycle lanes in towns and cities nationwide.

Besides the regular Elite/Open and Mixed Masters/BC Pro Divisions, there will also be All-Pangasinan categories for cyclists 41 years old and above and another for riders 40 years old and below.

Rodriguez said the stage might be ripe for a two-leg winner after the JazySports Beacon Phils. dominated the San Fernando leg last month.

 with Lito Atilano, Sherwin Carrera and Emerson Obosa clinching the top three spots in the Elite Open class.

“Now that the team is playing in front of their fellow Pangasinenses, the riders will be doubly inspired to win,” Rodriguez said.