Vintage Davadilla rides back to fame

MANILA, Philippines - Two-time Tour champion Warren Davadilla bucked father time, upstaging younger rivals to rule the two-stage Koten Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) Summer Cycling Classic that ended in Cabanatuan City yesterday.

Davadilla, 35, employed brilliant riding strategy and tactic to finish a strong second in the Marikina-Cabanatuan second stage behind Tots Tonido Oledan and snatch the overall championship over first stage winner Baler Ravina.

“They said I am already old but I’m motivated, especially with the Le Tour de Filipinas fast approaching,” said Davadilla.

The Valenzuela-based rider, winner of the 1998 and 2005 Tour ng Pilipinas, earned P30,000 for winning the cycling classic supported by the 7-11 Road Bike Philippines, Grace of Shekinah School-Sta. Maria Bulacan, Triathlon Association of the Philippines, Coca-Cola, Powerade, Viva Mineral Water, Franzia Wine, Reli Tours and Travel, Nueva Ecija Vice Governor Edward Joson and the City of Tagaytay.

Davadilla joined a small group that broke away from the peleton early and sustained the pace to emerge champion, 14.31 seconds ahead of Ravina.

Dominador Marana was third, followed by Jayson Garillo, Tomas Martinez, Irish Valenzuela, Arnel Quirimit, Hilson Mangahis, Alfredo Asuncion and Oscar Rendole.

“I was really watching out for Baler. When I detected that he was struggling in the middle of the pack, I took the opportunity to pull away. Thank God, nobody noticed that I was one of the leaders,” said Davadilla.

Ravina was teary-eyed at the finish line.