Martinez outwits ace riders, rules Manila criterium race

MANILA, Philippines - Tomas Martinez ran a tactical race to top an impressive field in winning the elite division of the RP-7-Eleven 439th Araw ng Maynila Criterium Challenge around Roxas Boulevard along the famed Baywalk last weekend.

After joining an early 10-man breakaway group, the 29-year-old Tarlac City pride engaged Jay Tolentino in a spirited duel in the last kilometer en route to pocketing the P7,000 prize in the event celebrating the 439th founding anniversary of the city of Manila.

Tolentino placed second and got P5,000 while Ericson Obosa took third plus P3,000 in the one-day bikefest jointly organized by Roadbike Phils., 7-Eleven, the Manila city government of Mayor Alfredo Lim and the Manila Sports Council under its new chairman Paul Almario.

Newly elected Manila Councilor Niño dela Cruz, who was the former MASCO chairman, earlier represented Mayor Lim and fired off the participants.

“I really worked hard for this to show I deserve to be in the 7-Eleven squad,” said Martinez, referring to the squad of top riders formed by 7-Eleven Phils. chief and cycling enthusiast Vic Paterno.

Others who won in the competition sponsored by Oishi, Excellent Noodles and Columbia Sportswear were Rommel Lindayag in the Open executive division, Tots Oledan in the 23 and under division, Artus Bucay in the 24 to 35 division, Maeng Gendrano in the 36 to 45 division, and Antonio Quintos in the 46-above division.

On the other hand, Sual and race director Ric Rodriguez announced that the criterium is a prelude to the “7-Eleven Tour 500,” a one-day race from Alabang, Muntilupa City to Tagaytay City on Aug. 8.