VSCT riders ready to hit road

MANILA, Philippines — Victoria Sports Cycling Team has formally introduced itself as the country’s newest king of the road, ready to fly the flag higher in major international races and further elevate the local cycling scene.

A mix of seasoned and young home bets with reinforcements from Portugal, the 11-man VSCT pro team hit the road over the weekend – starting with the official team launch at the Victoria Sports Tower then a community ride in Quezon Memorial Circle.

“What we built today is a combination of young Filipino and experienced Portuguese talents. We have a good chance of not only getting in the Top 5 or Top 10 but the top spot in international races,” said leader Pako Ochoa of the VSCT owned by the New San Jose Builders Inc.

Joining him in the team are compatriots Jhay Oconer, Kelvin Mendoza, Luis Krog, Ean Cajucom, Daniel Cariño and veteran Jerry Aquino with Portuguese stalwarts Márcio Barbosa, Pedro Paulinho, José Mendes and André Cardoso, who boast of a stacked resume highlighted by a bevy of stints in European world tour races.

Another Portuguese Micael Isidoro, a world pro cyclist himself, is at the helm as the sports director with Atty. Franco Lacandalo (team representative), Jobert Catina (rider care and mechanic) and Rayzon Galdonez (assistant sports director) serving as Filipino officials.

VSCT has set its sights on conquering roads overseas starting with a planned stint in Dubai this month followed by races in Portugal, Taiwan, Japan and Malaysia, all sanctioned by the International Cycling Union.

But more than that, VSCT, with the backing of San Miguel Corp., Banco de Oro, SM, Grab Philippines, and Mr. Kevin Wong, is looking to make the Philippines a cycling powerhouse.

“One of our main goal is to elevate Philippine cycling. We want to bring in new technology and knowledge from other countries. We’re trying to push the limit of our athletes, that will eventually push the standard of Philippine cycling,” said Ochoa.

VSCT is also backed by Gruppo Innovare Corporation-Specialized Philippines, Neo Zigma Cycle Corporation-Shimano and PRO, Cofides Competição, Cebu Pacific, Rudy Project, Manuel L. Quezon University, Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar, VS Hotel, and Schroeder’s Deli.