Valenzuela joins CCN Superteam

MANILA, Philippines — Irish Valenzuela gears up for a big Ronda Pilipinas comeback as the former champion banners the CCN Superteam in the event slated March 3-18 from Vigan, Ilocos Sur to Filinvest, Alabang.

Valenzuela, who ruled the 2013 edition of the annual event, didn’t see action in the last three years but underwent a rigorous training the last five months to get back into competition shape in time for the big event.

The Tabaco, Albay native is seeking to join Santy Barnachea of Team Franzia and Jan Paul Morales of Navy-Standard Insurance as two-time winners in the annual cycling spectacle.

Barnachea topped the inaugural staging in 2011 and repeated in 2015 while Morales dominated the last two Ronda editions.

“I’m just focused on winning the Ronda again,” said Valenzuela, who clinched a berth in the main race with a strong finish in the first of two qualifying events in Tarlac City last November.

Valenzuela will be joining forces with veteran Warren Davadilla, a two-time winner of the fabled Marlboro Tour, and Julius Mark Bonzo, whose father Romeo and uncle Modesto were former Tour champions.

Other members of CCN team are Jemico Brosio, Sherwin Carrera, Marven Aleonar, Juan Carlos Barrios and Jeffson Sotto.

A top purse of P1 million will be staked in the 12-stage race presented by LBC and supported by MVP Sports Foundation, CCN, Petron, Versa.ph, 3Q Sports Event Management, Inc., Boy Kanin, Franzia, Standard Insurance and Bike Xtreme, SH+.