Mier makes fellow Cebuanos proud

CEBU, Philippines - Cebu's hometown pride John Renee Mier made history as the first rookie overall champion in the Tour of Cebu, now known as the Cebu Challenge Cycling Classic, following a sterling performance from the prologue to stage 3 from the city of Toledo to Argao yesterday.

The veteran Arnel Quirimit of the Pangasinan-based Jazy Sports, one of the early favorites in this five-day tilt, made sure he won't go home empty-handed by dominating stage 3.

The 20-year-old Cebuano national cycling mainstay keep up with the rest in the killer stage covering a total of 186 kilometers spiced up with mountain climbs and long and winding roads.

Mier’s road to glory did not come in easy especially after one of his teammates under LBC-MVP Sports and in their second team, LBC-Y101, faltered one after the other due to flat tire.

Mier, who won gold for the Philippines in cycling event of last year's Southeast Asian (SEA) Games in Indonesia, was not spared with a flat tire in Malabuyoc, midway to the finish line.

Several attempts on the lead came about, with different riders trying to break away only to be caught up with Mier’s group as they pass through one after the other.

Mier also had a chance to stage a daring breakaway, but kept his cool and just watched over fellow Cebuano Marvin Tapic and several others who were attempting to snatch the lead from him.

LBC-Y101 assistant skipper Jaybop Pagnanawon had a chance to win stage 3 over Quirimit but decided against it and instead help protect Mier’s interest for the overall crown.

Quirimit was able to break free in the final five kilometers on the way to rule stage 3 with the time of five hours, 18 minutes and 32.53 seconds. Pagnanawon came out second with a 5:19:50.11 clocking followed by Cycle Line’s Tots Olidan in 5:20:10.11.

Mier, the youngest rider awardee in the latest Ronda Pilipinas, won the prologue at the South Road Properties as well as the opening stage from Cebu City to Bogo. He placed eighth in stage 2 and fifth in the third and final stage to clinch the overall title in his first time to join the race.

The overall team champion will be declared today yet along with the King of the Mountain and Sprint King awardees sponsored by Mariquita Salimbangon-Yeung Foundation. It will be done after the special criterium race at the Cebu International Convention Center. - THE FREEMAN