No Pangasinan team in 2014 Ronda

By Jesus A. Garcia Jr.

JUST a few days more to go and the 4th edition of the multi-stage bikathon “Ronda Pilipinas” will definitely be flagged off. Reports reaching me from my town mate Joshua Carino of Mangaldan who landed fifth last year, said that unlike in the 2013 edition, this year’s road saga will be conducted in 14 stages and will only cover Luzon starting in Quezon City on February 1 and will end on February 16 in Luneta. Carino also said that if plans don’t change, finally a Dagupan City stage is set on February 9. Carino also pointed out that for the first time since its birth in 2011, European pedal-pushers and others from Asian neighboring countries like Malaysia, Japan, Chinese Taipei, Iran, Thailand and Uzbekistan are expected to participate.

But sad to say that for the first in the history of Philippine multi-stage bicycle racing since its birth, there will be no Pangasinan squad this year. Instead, 2011 Ronda titlist Santy Barnachea of Umingan, 2012 Le Tour Filipinas king Baler Ravina of Asingan, last year’s third placer Ronald Oranza of Villasis and Mangaldanon Carino to name some, are joining different commercial teams. Last year we had two teams, the East Pangasinan and the West Pangasinan, which was also called “Hundred Islands team.”

Upon learning this from Carino, I did my best to preserve the image of Pangasinan and first and foremost our cyclists being the pioneer in this sport, having producing 19 titleholders. Cebu, which is the second producer of Tour champs, only has three. No other province has come close to what we have achieved. Sports connoisseurs say a bikefest without a Pangasinan line-up is not really a complete bike race. But regrettably, as the adage says, “there’s always a first time in life.”  This will be the case for Pangasinan.

Knowing that my cumpadre, The PUNCH colleague Al S. Mendoza, is a very close friend to Gov. Amado Espino, I immediately relayed to him this unprecedented development. I also called one of the organizers and Ronda race director Ric Rodriguez to give us a slot. Fortunately, according to Pare Al, the sports-minded governor is very amenable to the idea of sponsoring a Pangasinan team despite already losing our top guns to different commercial squads. But then, I found out that our second stringers in the province like Ferdinand Pablo of Umingan, Kenneth Solis of Malasiqui, Ryan Moya of Lingayen, Renato Sembrano of Mangaldan, Ericson Obosa of Manaoag and Salvador Salvador of San Manuel have slowed down on their training a month ago upon learning from the organizers that there will be no Pangasinan team in this year’s Ronda due to lack of finances and sponsorship. I updated Pare Al about it and all that can be done now is to organize and prepare for next year with Gov. Espino again as the godfather.  Pare Al tried his best and so did Gov. Espino to put up a Pangasinan team this year’s Ronda, but our best was not good enough and it was too late to do anything.

But despite the absence of a Pangasinan squad, our best local bets are still there and I suggest that you cycling fans should cheer them when they pass through Dagupan City on February 9. Giving moral support or financial support for their daily needs during the big race will be of great help. Remember, their triumph is also our victory. Defending champion is Irish Valenzuela of Daraga, Albay. Valenzuela used to be a member of the now defunct Mangaldan-based Jazysports Pitaki Boyz team of my first child Jazy.

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QUOTE OF THE WEEK: “And I will come near you for judgment; I will be a swift witness against sorcerers, against adulterers, against perjurers, against those who exploit wage earners and widows and orphans, and against those who turn away an alien—-because they do not fear Me,” says the Lord of the hosts. MALACHI 3: 5

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