Cycling buff Engr. Boy Dion

By Jesus A. Garcia Jr.

LIKE the first edition of the Ricky Diocares Criterium Race, I have no choice but to cover the second segment of the bikefest conducted at Judge Jose de Venecia, Sr. Boulevard early morning of July 24 that was participated in by hundreds of cyclists.

Last Sunday’s race, divided in five categories, was well-organized, better than the first, and with some surprise winners.  And for the first time, there were alluring ladies assisting the organizers in awarding the medals, trophies and cash prizes. Ala Tour de France ang format ‘ika nga.

But what surprised me and the spectators was the victory of my friend, an avid cycling buff Engr. Rodolfo “Boy” Dion topping his category (60 year-old-and above) in a convincing fashion. According to him, this was his first time to win a celebrated bikefest after countless tries. He became emotional after crossing the short but taxing 20-kilometer road saga beating 13 other contestants that included the trained barangay Longos chairman Rene Quinto of San Fabian who came in second and veteran Peter Camacho of Binmaley, finishing third.

“This victory is very meaningful and memorable to me,” Dion said. “Since I was 12 years old I already dreamed to be a cycling champion, short or long distance, and in higher level of competition but my dad never bought me a bicycle despite my persistence,” said Dion. “Mag-aral ka na lang, because sports is just temporary while education is permanent, sabi niya.” So I obliged and got my tertiary degree and that’s why I’m here now,” Dion humbly added, referring to his job as the DPWH district engineer of Pangasinan’s second district. “Maybe I would have become a national champion, too, like the other Pangasinenses if my dad gave way to my first ambition,” Dion jokingly averred.

The bikefest was a tribute to the late Ricky Diocares who was the former president of the Metro Dagupan Cycling Club, Inc. now under the prexy of Engr. Jojo Ramos. Other distinguished personalities like former Lingayen Vice Mayor Atty. Neptali Pasiliao and Atty. Arginald Esguera also joined the hostilities. Roy Velasquez was the master of ceremony while the group of PNP retired SPO4 Jesse Mosada did the officiating. The podium ladies were 2016 Miss Mangaldan Maine Espinoza, Lea Solomon, Susan Tan, Jeselle Espinoza and assisted by Ann Theresa Bolos and Floyd Generao, both from Bonuan Gueset.  The bikefest lured riders from neighboring provinces. The female category, participated in by 14 bikers, was won by 17 year-old Irish Wong of Olongapo City while Matilda Krog of Tarlac City and Genesis Marana of San Jose City, Nueva Ecija checking in second and third, respectively.

In the younger class (25-35 yrs. old), San Fabian stalwart and Tour veteran Rene Esteban ruled the race, with Manaoag son Ericson Obosa coming in second and Kevin Ylarde landing third. And, to my pleasant surprise, the top two finishers in the 36-45 year-old category were my town mates Jesus Sembrano and Richard Aquino while Gerardo Ferreria of Binmaley ended third.

Hector Padilla of Urdaneta City seized the 46-59 division with Manaoag ace Jovy Jovellanos wresting the second position and San Manuel, Pangasinan native Mon Nicolas landed third.

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QUOTE OF THE WEEK: Then the Jews said to Him, “You are not yet fifty years old, and have You seen Abraham?” Jesus said to them, “Most assuredly, I say to you, before Abraham was, I AM.” JOHN 8: 57-58

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