Pangasinan’s best cyclists take on the road today as they battle for cash and glory in a short but punishing 130-kilometer run in the RD Gen. Bataoil-Jesus Garcia Jr. Cup.

The bikefest, organized by Police Region 1 Director Chief Superintendent Leopoldo Bataoil and former Tour of Luzon titlist Jesus Garcia, Jr. in line with the government’s anti-drug campaign program, will be participated in by about 80 cyclists led by 2006 Padyak Pinoy champion Santy Barnachea from Umingan and 2003 Tour Pilipinas king Arnel Quirimit from Pozorrubio.

Five former national team members including Manaoag pride Ericson Obosa, seven-time sprint king San Carlean Enrique Domingo, Tour de Langkawi veteran and San Fabian son Sherwin Carrera, Mangaldan stalwart Renato Sembrano and San Jacinto – born Reynaldo Navarro will also be joining.

“We are staging this bikefest to show to the people that our athletes are very healthy in heart and in mind because they are not taking prohibited drugs. I hope we help with each other to curb this kind of menace that is very affecting our society,” said Bataoil.

“The event is also an important tune-up race for our Pangasinan riders for their big races slated on February and April next year,” added Bataoil.

The road battle kicks off at 10:30 a.m. at barangay Buenlag in Mangaldan town, which will also be the finishing point, passing some central and western towns of Pangasinan as far as Alaminos City.

Cash prizes totaling P71,500, trophies and medals are at stake.

Bataoil, together with host town Mayor Herminio Romero, Mangaldan ABC president Melchor de Guzman and fourth district Board Members Jeremy Agerico Rosario and Liberato Villegas will flag off the contestants who will be divided in two categories, the elite-pro and the master-executive.

Aside from Bataoil, Romero, Rosario, Villegas and de Guzman, the anti-drug project is also being supported by Gov. Amado Espino, Jr., University of Pangasinan’s board chairman Cesar Duque, PNP PD S/Supt. Isagani Nerez, Dagupan City Mayor Alipio Fernandez, Jr., Sta. Barbara Mayor Reynaldo Velasco, San Jacinto Mayor Rolando Columbres and 1st District Board Member Danny Dizon,

Backing up the project from abroad are Blandino Caguioa of Houston, Texas, Rey Corpuz of Hawaii, Charles Evans of Long Beach, California, Felipe Movida, Jr. and Jazy Garcia of Guam.

The wheel-by-wheel account road spectacle will be aired live over DZRD Sunshine Radio, 981 Khz AM managed by Rannie Manaois.—JAGJr.

Share your Comments or Reactions

comments

Powered by Facebook Comments