TOUR veteran racer Oscar Espiritu charged ahead from the first pack of five riders nine kilometers to the finish with Manileno Ysmael Gendrano in tow, then bolted anew in the last 700 meters for good to rule the Binmaley Cycling Challenge on February 2 that started and ended at the town proper.

Fresh from his second place finish in the San Fabian bikefest last January 17, the aging San Manuel son Espiritu engineered a six-man breakaway group after the Suasalito Summit Point, barely 25 kilometers from the start, ganged up with his co-escapees for at least 80 kilometers, before finally crossing the finish line unchallenged to the delight of the crowd.

Espiritu clocked the 128-kilometer rolling course via the western Pangasinan area in three hours, 40 minutes, 24 seconds, faster by nine seconds than second placer Gendrano. Mon Nicolas also from San Manuel town outsprinted Calasiao and San Fabian bikefests winner Romeo Camingao for third, 28 seconds off the pace and Augusto Tomang of Cuyapo, Nueva Ecija checked in fifth.

Rounding up the top ten were: Adrian Malanum of Mangaldan; Benjie Nituan of Binalonan; Tito Benitez of Malasiqui; Brix Catambay of Mangaldan and Loreto dela Carsel of Sta. Barbara.

The bikefest was in line with the celebration of the Binmaley town fiesta with Vice Mayor Pedro Merrera lll flagging off the 60 contestants and all the winners received cash prizes, trophies and medals from Mayor Simplicio L. Rosario.

The event was sponsored by Meridien Vista Gaming Corporation and Excellent Noodles of Alex Billan.–JAGJr.

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