Sprint bikes hasten cyclists’ dismal finish

NAY PYI TAW – The cycling coach ignored an official advising him of the need for sprint and road bikes in the 100 kilometer road race, and found itself a poor sixth in the event won by Vietnam, Malaysia and Thailand.

The 100km team time trial, started in Hnim Sin, 50 kilometers from the city proper, took the Filipino riders by surprise, having brought with them sprint bikes specially designed for sprints on flat roads.

Although he was advised on the eve of the competition, coach Carlo Jasul said his team could do with the sprint bikes.

The first 60 kilometers were run on relatively flat roads, but the last 40 kilometers featured uphill and downhill rides which took a heavy toll on the sprint bikes which are 10 kilos heavier on the climb.

Vietnamese, Malaysian and Thai riders changed bikes after the feed zone finish, at the foot of a military reservation, start of a 12-kilometer up and down ride on winding roads which the rest of competitors from Vietnam, Malaysia, Thailand and Myanmar negotiated with some ease with their road bikes.

John Renee Mier, Jan Paul Morales and Arnold Marcelo rode as one after leaving behind Alfie Catalan who could not keep up with the pace, and they were eventually overtaken by Vietnam, Malaysia and Thailand in the last 30 kilometers and finished sixth.

The teams were flagged off at two-minute intervals, with the Philippine team at seventh in the eight-team field.