148 riders to compete in National Open

MANILA, Philippines - One hundred forty-eight of the country’s leading cyclists, led by elite squads LPGMA-Parañaque and 7-11 Roadbike Philippines, pit their riding skills in the 2010 National Open Cycling Championships which fires off Monday at the Amoranto Velodrome in Quezon City.

Dr. Philip Ella Juico, president of the organizing Integrated Cycling Federation of the Philippines (ICFP), said that the list could swell by race day as some clubs have signified their intention to join the national bikefest, which is making a return after an absence of 25 years.

“The field may even reach 160 to 170. This is just sports, we should all be united if the aim is to promote healthy competition and at the same time, develop the cyclists’ skills in an actual tournament,” said Juico

The Renato Dolosa-led LPGMA team, which has been at the frontline supporting the sport for years, is not only sending a crack team but also helping in ensuring the successful holding of the National Open by providing an ambulance to the event.

Other clubs in the fold are Subic-Olongapo of president Edwin Sentesas and Daniel Mallari, Cebu of Joe Derezas, Cagayan-Tuguegarao of Tommy Arugay, Cavite of Ronnie Hebron, Davao of Dominic Carpio, East Pangasinan of Jess Garcia, West Pangasinan of Roy del Prado, Mileage Team Nueva Ecija of Ramon Asuncion and Nueva Vizcaya of Lupo Alava.

All the cyclists will be billeted at the historic Samar House along Samar Avenue, one of the headquarters of President Noynoy Aquino during his campaign period.

The Samar House is owned by the New San Jose Builders, one of the sponsors of the National Open, which is also backed by Shangri-La Finest Chinese Cuisine along Times St., West Triangle, Quezon City, Magnolia Water and Zest-O.

The National Cycling Open, last held in 1985 in Cagayan de Oro City, will feature track, mountain bike and road race events and will be spiced up by a photo contest offering P15,000, P10,000 and P5,000 to the first, second and third placers, respectively.

The six-day racing extravaganza will be concluded and highlighted by a 165-km road race from Quezon City to Bugarin, Laguna and back on Dec. 11. The Mountain Bike competitions slated on Dec. 8 will be held at the Timberland Heights, San Mateo, Rizal, courtesy of Edmund Mangaser.