Mangahis tops 3rd leg of Manila criterium grand prix

MANILA, Philippines - Hilson Mangahis stole the thunder from the big guns with a plucky victory in the third leg of the Roadbike Philippines-711 2009 Manila Criterium Grand Prix last weekend around the Rizal Park.

The Liquigaz team mainstay was part of a five-man late breakaway led by Lloyd Lucien Reynante before slipping past his rivals in ruling the Elite Open division of the event presented by Oishi, Excellent Noodles and Columbia Sportswear.

Relegated to runner-up honors was Manuel Naluz while teammate Tots Onido took third in the one-day bikefest jointly organized by the Manila Mayor Alfredo Lim and Manila Sports Council chairman Niño dela Cruz.

“Masaya at nanalo, mabibigat rin ang kalaban,” said the two-time Tour veteran native of Sta. Rosa, Laguna after prevailing over the tough field that included noted riders Victor Espiritu, Warren Davadilla and Santy Barnachea.

Nobet Loya nosed out businessman Alex Billan to rule the 36-45-year-old division while the other winners were Nicko Cortez (Under 25), Joel Balucos (26-35) Oscar Espiritu (46-55), Bonifacio Oclarino (56-above) and Fred Chua (Filchi).

“I would like to thank the organizers for a well-run race,” said Team Franzia owner Louis Cochangco Jr. after the event named after his father, Louis Cochangco Sr. and backed by Spyder helmets, SUUNTO watches, Franzia wine, Gatorade, Summit Mineral Water, E-touch mobile phones, Cellway and Red Bull, the event’s official energy drink, distributed by Maryland Bros.

Despite the late start of the races due to a duathlon staged earlier in the morning, the day was marked by mostly cloudy skies, sparing the riders from the sun’s heat as they raced in near-ideal conditions.

Events director Ric Rodriguez announced that the fourth and final leg will be staged late January with the start/finish line in front of the Quirino Grandstand at the Rizal Park.

“The winners of the previous legs will be battling it out in their respective divisions in the finals, where we will be offering even bigger prizes,” Rodriguez said.