ILOILO CITY, Philippines – Jan Paul Morales seeks to zero in on the crown – and a record back-to-back feat – as LBC Ronda Pilipinas resumes today with the 40-km individual time trial in Guimaras.
The 31-year-old Morales, who leads the way with a total clocking of 37 hours, 25 minutes, 56 seconds after Stage 11, said the ITT, set to fire off at 10 a.m., will be crucial in his title-retention drive.
“I have to finish strong in the ITT because anything can happen,” said Morales, just two minutes ahead of fellow Navyman in Rudy Roque with three legs remaining.
If he holds sway and scores a repeat, Morales will join the elite company of Santy Barnachea as the most titled rider in this annual event and the first to win it back-to-back.
Barnachea won the inaugural edition six years ago then reigned again in 2015.
“It will be an honor for me if I can do it,” said Morales.
But Roque is out to spoil his bid with the 25-year-old rider toting an aggregate time of 37:28:11.
“I will still do my best but I think it will be hard to catch up with him because the ITT is his best event,” said Roque.
“Finishing second isn’t bad and there is always a next year,” he added.