Black Saturday Road Race

The Bohol Black Saturday Road Race is now on its 5th iteration. I organized the first three events and I turned it over to a good friend and a better organizer in Pio Castro III. Most bicycle races don’t even have a second event and for this reason, I’m stoked to know that this event lives on.

The first three years was just a road race but Pio decided to add an individual time-trial since most locals ride tri-bikes. I chose Black Saturday because traffic is very minimal but as the event grew every year, I can notice an increasing volume of traffic and more people going to the beach. The route is mostly along the coast so I can assure you you’ll be gasping for salty air!

The time-rial will be the first event, an 18km out and back route that starts in vibrant town of Loay, U-turns in sleepy Lila and back to Loay. Thirty minutes after the last cyclist crosses the line, the road race commences. It’ll still start in Loay, but this time the peloton will be going to Jagna, a step off point for folks going to Butuan. Eighty K’s later will find the cyclist back in Loay.

Three categories will be races: 35yo and under, 40-49yo and 50yo and above. There will be cash prizes and medals for the top 4 overall finishers of bot the road race and TT.

If your from out of town and want to join the race, there are plenty of fast crafts and slow boats going in and out of Bohol from all over the country. And the good news is that they operate even on Good Fridays to take care of the booming tourist market in Bohol. And of course, there is the new and very modern airport in Panglao that was inaugurated November of last year. So there is really no excuse for cyclist from Manila to shy away from this event. If you’re spending the holidays in any of the resorts here in Panglao, then get that bicycle ready, it’s be a good excuse from sunbathing on the sand.

As for the route, it’s pancake flat and if there are any climbs, its just like a city speed bump so any trained cyclist can get over it without any trouble. The tarmac is smooth, like a newly ironed ROTC uniform of yore.

If you’re looking for more information, the event has a Facebook page, just search for, “RIDE BOHOL BLACK SATURDAY ITT/ROAD RACE 5”. The start and finish area will be hosted again the Macafania Esplanade Restaurant. Just google it for directions.

Finally, if you want to get in touch with the event director, Pio, this is his number: 0922-800-4248.

THE CLASSICS. At the time, we should know who won Paris-Roubaix. Will the defending champion Peter Sagan, former champion Greg Van Avermaet, John Degenkolb, repeat or will it be another rider from the most dominating team this year in Deceuninck–Quick-Step? Who’s your pick to win? Of course, you’d be a fool not to pick Sagan to repeat. However, look out for a second year kid name Wout van Aert.