Reynante rarin’ to stamp mark in farewell ride

MANILA, Philippines - Lloyd Reynante, one of the country’s top cyclists who never won the big one, will use the last three stages of LBC Ronda Pilipinas as his farewell race.

This after the veteran rider, who has had a number of Top 10 finishes in the Tour and other elite races, announced his retirement during the break of Ronda, which resumes Friday with the Stage 12 individual time trial in Guimaras.

“I was initially hoping to compete for one or two more years but I’m starting to feel it and I think it’s time to rest my body so this would be my last tour,” said the 38-year-old Reynante, who has been competing for more than two decades.

“I’ve ridden against and alongside the best in more than two decades and worked with a lot of great people along the way and will be forever be grateful to them for helping me get where I am now,” he added.

Reynante, who is retiring this July after 20 years of Navy service, finished second to 2004 champion Rhyan Tanguilig, 2009 winner Joel Calderon and 2010 titlist David McCann of Ireland and was in and out of the Top 10 in other races.

The Navy seaman second class said those achievements are enough to make up for his failure to win it all, a dream he and his late father, 1980 Tour King Manuel, shared.

“Even if I didn’t get to win it like my father, I’m still happy that people still recognize the Reynantes in cycling because of the passion, leadership and competitiveness I showed in the sport,” said Reynante.