National road cycling unfolds in Tagaytay

MANILA, Philippines — The National Road Cycling Championships get going today with the cream of the crown and the up-and-coming riders clashing for top honors in the individual and team trial races in the men’s and women’s Elite and junior categories in Tagaytay.

The two-day event drew close to 300 entries with the titles in the ITT and TTT in the premier division and in junior section to be disputed today.

The championships, presented by Standard Insurance and MVP Sports Foundation, will conclude with the road races tomorrow on an out-and-back course from Tagaytay City covering the Batangas municipalities of Nasugbu, Tuy, Lemery, Agoncillo, Balayan, Lian, Talisay, Calaca and Laurel.

“With close to 300 riders joining the national championships, it goes to show that competitive cycling is very much alive in the Philippines,” said PhilCycling president Abraham Tolentino.

The races also serve as a dry run for the 30th Southeast Asian Games cycling competitions slated Nov. 30 to Dec. 11.

Tolentino will send off the competitors along with Tagaytay City Mayor Agnes Tolentino in the race managed by Ube Media Inc.-Le Tour de Filipinas and supported by One LGC, Air21, Go For Gold, Bike X Singapore and 7-Eleven Cliqq Air21 by Roadbike Philippines.