Color Mier yellow Cebu's pride wins prologue, 101.7km stage 1 unfurls today

CEBU, Philippines - Multi-titled Cebuano rider John Renee Mier earned the right to wear the yellow jersey heading into the first stage of the Cebu Challenge Cycling Classic (formerly known as Tour of Cebu) after topping the prologue event, a four-kilometer individual time trial yesterday at the South Road Properties.

Mier, who was recruited by Team LBC following his stellar performance in the last Ronda Pilipinas, clocked in the fastest time of four minutes and 53.98 seconds.

The 20-year-old Mier was struggling a bit before going into the final turn with the head winds against him, but managed to bounce back in the final two kilometers.

Mier, who delivered gold for the Philippines during last year's Southeast (SEA) Asian Games in Indonesia, hopes to win the overall crown for his fellow Cebuanos.

Rudy Roque of LPG-American Vynil Team of Manila posted the second best time of 4:57.59, while Mier's Cebu townmate Nino Surban placed third with the time of 4:59.32.

LPG-American Vinyl team captain Irish Valenzuela came out fourth in 5:00.65 followed by his teammate Rustom Lim in 5:02.32.

The sixth to 10th placers were Mark Bonzo of LBC Team B (5:03.19), Arnel Quirimit of Mangaldan, Pangasinan (5:05.32), Marvin Tapic of Cebu Province (5:05.78), Ramon Espinosa of Dolors Mini Mart/Dan’s Bike-Danao (5:07.19) and Riemon Lapaza of Cycle Line Extreme–Butuan (5:10.19).

The actual road race begins today, with stage 1 kicking off at the Cebu provincial capitol going into the city of Bogo covering a total of 101.7 kilometers.

The first sprint will be in Danao City, while the first King of the Mountain mark will be at the Km 53 in Catmon. (FREEMAN)