Cycling tour back on the road in April

After a yearlong break, the fabled Tour will again hit the road.

Liquigaz, one of the world’s largest producers of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), will mount a seven-day race in a bid to bring back the tour, which took an indefinite leave of absence last year.

Liquigaz will join hands with the Liquefied Petroleum Gas Marketers Association (LPGMA) and the Philippine National Cycling Association (PNCA) in staging the race April 13-19.

LPGMA president Arnel Ty said 90 cyclists who made the grade during the qualifying trials last year would comprise 10 teams competing in the revival of the Tour of Luzon.

“These riders are all aching to get back on the road. Liquigaz has gone out of its way not only to keep them competitive, but also to help them earn as professional cyclists,’’ said Ty, who offered generous cash prizes for individual and team winners.

Ty said the top 12 riders would automatically earn slots in the national team under the leadership of Tagaytay City Mayor Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino, president of the PhilCycling, the national federation for the sport recognized by the UCI or Union Cycliste International.

Ty said that the last leg of the Liquigaz Cycling Challenge this Sunday at the Macapagal Highway in Pasay City would also help the elite riders earn points that could entitle them to qualify for the national team.

PhilCycling vice president for Visayas and PCAP president Paquito Rivas said the riders are bound to secure points in every race organized by the federation whose previous president, Bert Lina, is now chairman emeritus. The races would culminate with the Tour of Luzon supported by Liquigaz, LPGMA, American Vinyl and JBC foods.