Cebu Challenge Cycling kicks off

THE CEBU Challenge Cycling Classic gets underway today with the country’s best cyclists competing in a 439.5-kilometer race starting with an Individual Time Trial (ITT) at the South Road Properties.

 
The ITT covers the entire SRP road and the racer with the fastest time will wear the yellow jersey going into stage one tomorrow, starting at the Cebu Provincial Capitol grounds and ending in Bogo City, northern Cebu.

 
Some teams from Luzon have backed out from the race due to the heavy rains that is currently hitting Metro Manila,
“There were supposed to be 15 teams  but Manila is being ravaged by floods that’s why they backed out in the last hour,” said race director David “Kuya Boy” Odilao Jr.,  during  yesterday’s final press conference at the Magnolia Room of the Grand Convention Center.

 
He added the race will also have noted cyclists joining the race.  “We have to push through even though a lot of good cyclists joined the Ironman last weekend.”

 
Leading the list of top contenders are 2003 Tour Filipinas champion Arnel Quirimit of Mangaldan Pangasinan Cycling, Baler Ravina,  Irish Valenzuela, Chris Joven and Cebuano Niño Surban. /CORRESPONDENTS DALE G. ROSAL