LBC Ronda wheels for fortune, tourism

MANILA, Philippines - Local riders are in for what’s billed as the grandest cycling event this year – the P7-million LBC Ronda Pilipinas that hits the road in September and October.

The nationwide, 12-stage race spread over 20 days is expected to test the cyclists’ mettle as they go through challenging but scenic courses showcasing various terrains in Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao.

“The route is meant to showcase the beauty of the Philippines and promote tourism and the same time, help us discover the next sports hero in cycling,” LBC Express VP for marketing Javier Mantecon said during yesterday’s launch in Makati City.

The organizing Multi Event Enterprise has set 12 stages for the tour – Cagayan de Oro to Bukidnon and back, Dumaguete to Bacolod, Iloilo to Aklan, Roxas to Calapan, Batangas to Tagaytay, Quezon City to Tarlac, Tarlac to Agoo, Agoo to Vigan, Vigan to Baguio, Baguio (Camp 2) to Baguio (Burnham), Baguio to Angeles, and Angeles to Manila. Average distance per leg is 140 to 150 kms with a total of 1,700 kms.

Qualifying races will be held in key points in the country to determine the 12 teams or elite clubs of six members each that will compete in the race proper. An executive race for non-pros will also be held.

Cash prizes await the winners, with the individual champion netting P1 million, and the team titlists getting the same amount. Stage winners can win as much as P50,000 while recipients of special awards like King of the Mountain, Sprint King and Best Young Rider (U-23) can also expect bonuses.

Envisioned to be a major international event in the future, the LBC Ronda Pilipinas was unveiled by LBC executives led by its president Juan Carlos Araneta, COO Fernando Araneta, and CEO Santiago Araneta, PhilCycling president and Tagaytay City Mayor Abraham Tolentino, ex-UCI coordinator for Asia Jammaludin Mahmood, Rudy Project president Gabriele Boschi, and MEE’s Jack Yabut and Rick Rodriguez.

“We’ve been longing for a race that will traverse routes in Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao and we’re thankful that LBC made this a reality,” said Tolentino as he formally gave the LBC Ronda Pilipinas the PhilCycling and UCI sanctions.

Ronda, according to LBC exec, is the latest component of the remittance and courier giant’s Go Green environmental advocacy.