Pinoy cyclists smell victory

MANILA, Philippines — The 12-strong Phl cycling team camped in Tagaytay and reconned the routes of battles much ahead of the opposition.

And they’re now raring to hear the starting gun, scale the Tagaytay climbs and take their share of glories in the cycling events in the 30th SEA Games slated Dec. 1-9 here and the nearby Laurel town in Batangas.

Ariana Thea Patrice Dormitorio is the first to plunge into battle at 9 a.m. tomorrow in Tatlong Bungo in Laurel, competing in the women’s mountain bike cross country and vying to be among the first bet to deliver a coveted gold for the home team.

Also hoping to win a medal the morning after the Games opening rites is Edhmel John Flores in men’s mountain bike cross country.

Alan Ray Alfaro, Eleazer Barba Jr., Lea Denise Belgira, John Christopher Caluag, Daniel Caluag, Jhon Mark Camigao, Jonel Carcueva, El Joshua Carino, John Erick Farr, Marcelo Felipe, Mark Galedo, Ismael Grospe Jr., Jan Paul Morales and Jun Rey Navarra are the other Phl riders riding for redemption after a mere one-bronze showing by the Phl cycling team in 2017 in Kuala Lumpur.

Daniel Caluag, the gold medal winner in the 2013 Naypyidaw SEAG and in the 2014 Asian Games who settled for the bronze in the KL Games, is out for personal bounce-back in BMX where he competes with younger brother John Christopher.

Galedo is another former champ aching to reclaim the crown.

“Proper nutrition lang in these last days before the race at kapag nasa proper weight, malaki ang laban,” said Galedo, a top bet in the individual time trial race in a route he is well familiar with.

“Kabisado na ang ruta. Ang mahirap tantyahin eh yung wind condition dahil paiba-iba,” said Galedo, who is to pummel the Tagaytay ride from Nasugbu.

Meanwhile, the Pinoy road riders will bank on their familiarity of the dreaded Sungay road from Talisay in their hope to win the gold at the finish at the Praying Hands Monument in Tagaytay.

“Makakuha lang ng 20 seconds after Sungay, malaking lamang na iyon,” said Felipe.