Morales targets fourth stage win

DAGUPAN, Pangasinan, Philippines – Jan Paul Morales hopes to flash his mountain climbing skills as he shoots for a fourth straight win in the Stage Four road race and cap his domination of the LBC Ronda Pilipinas 2016 from here to Burnham Park in Baguio today.

A noted sprinter, Morales beat two others to win the Stage Three criterium in Antipolo City Wednesday for his third straight stage triumph following his victories in the first criterium in Sta. Rosa, Laguna and individual time trial from Talisay, Batangas to Tagaytay.

But the 30-year-old Navy-Standard Insurance spearhead has opted to downplay his chances for another romp, saying he’s a bit weary and there’s a lot of tough climbers in the fold.

“Don’t expect me to go for another win because I’m feeling tired,” said Morales, who has zeroed in on a second leg crown after topping the Mindanao leg two months ago.

Out to spoil his bid are George Oconer and Rustom Lim of LBC-MVP Sports Foundation, both known for their climbing prowess.

Stage Four is a grueling 94.41-km race expected to push Morales and the rest of his pursuers to the limits with the dreaded Baguio ascent at Kennon Road posing as their toughest challenge.

After sweeping the first three stages, Morales has pooled 45 general classification points, 14 points ahead of Oconer (31) and 16 over Lim (29).

But in the crucial race to the mountains, expect Morales to be a little wary.

“I will have to race smart because in Baguio, anything can happen,” said Morales.

Oconer, whose best performance in the Baguio climbs was fifth four years ago, has refused to concede the crown.

“I’m not pressuring myself but I’m also not giving up,” said the 24-year-old Oconer, runner-up to last year’s winner Santy Barnachea.

Others tipped to contend are LBC-MVPSF’s Ronnilan Quita, now in eighth overall with 12 points. The San Jose, Tarlac native is using his stint here for a second shot at education. He finished second to 2009 Tour king Joel Calderon of Navy in Stage Four in the Visayas Leg in Roxas City.

Quita was actually on course for another strong finish when he caught up with Morales and Oconer late in Stage Three but he faded in the final stretch and wound up seventh.

“I’ll try again,” said the 21-year-old Quita.

At Nos. 4 to 7 are Camingao (25 points), LBC-MVPSF’s Ronald Lomotos (16), Calderon (15) and Navy’s Rudy Roque (13).

Rounding up the top 10 were Navy’s El Joshua Carino (10) and LBC-MVPSF’s Arnold Marco (9).

The fifth and final stage, another criterium, is also set in Baguio Saturday.

The event, organized by LBC Express, is sanctioned by PhilCycling and sponsored by Manny V. Pangilinan Sports Foundation, Petron and Versa Radio-Tech 1 Corp. with Maynilad and NLEX as minor sponsors.