MANILA, Philippines - Reigning Padyak Pinoy champion Joel Calderon firmed up his bid for a spot in the national team competing in this year’s SEA Games as he topped the National Open tryouts in Tanay, Rizal over the weekend.
The 21-year-old Calderon, who shone in last May’s eight-lap Padyak Pinoy Tour, beat the likes of former Tour champions Warren Davadilla and Arnel Quirimit in the 25-km time trial, clocking 46:24.01 in the event serving as part of the elims for members of the Laos-bound RP team.
“I really want to play for the RP team competing in the SEA Games, that’s why I joined this event,” said Calderon.
“This is the first time in years that an open tryout is held, and I’m very happy that most of our prominent cyclists participated, we hope to have more participants,” cycling chief Mikee Romero said.
Romero also bared plans of supporting a 25-man RP team pool for the SEA Games even though the Filipinos will only take part in four gold medal events.
Benito Lopez finished only sixth in the ITT but still leads in the point system, which will be used in evaluating the members of the RP squad.
The final day of the tryout another 25k ITT will be held at the Quezon City Memorial Circle tomorrow.
Also in contention for a slot in the RP team is Rey Martin, who finished seventh. Martin topped the first day of tryout.
Ed Bulleser settled for eighth place while Erick Feleciano and John Paul Morales wound up ninth and 10th, respectively.