Obosa tops 2009 Werweran bikefest
INTERNATIONAL rider Ericson Obosa from Manaoag demonstrated his skills in sprinting and speed, outclassing 59 other participants to top the 2009 Werweran ed Mangaldan bikefest held on March 1 during the town fiesta.
The 28-year-old former national team member started out cold under the scorching heat in La Union, caught up with the breakaway group after 40 kilometers of chase, broke away at the halfway mark to tow Tarlaqueño Sherwin Diamsay and Nueva Ecijano Oscar Rendole, and finally sped away in the last 18 kilometers.
Obosa arrived at the finish line all alone to pocket the P15,000 top prize. He clocked the 178-kilometer grind in four hours, 19 minutes and 18 seconds.
Diamsay outsped Rendole in the last 200 meters to finish second worth P10,000 and Rendolegood for P5,000, 53 seconds off Obosa.
“Binuhos ko na lahat bago mag-last round kasi mukhang humina na yong dalawang kasama ko sa breakaway at nagtagumpay naman ako,” said Obosa, a member of the Pitaki Boyz cycling group.
“Sana tuloy-tuloy na ang swerteng ito,” he added.
Obosa, carrying the colors of Jazy Sportswear, also won five of six ‘summit sprint’ prizes worth P2,500.
Nelson Mangahis of Laguna placed fourth while Mangaldan’s new potential pedal-pusher Arden Fernandez landed fifth and received P4,000 and P3,000, respectively.
Three former champions, namely: Victor Espiritu, Arnel Quirimit and Santy Barnachea were marked men from start to finish as they got hemmed in by the huge lead pack and were never in contention for honors.
Rounding up the top ten in descending order were: Mark Julius Bonzo of Sual; Emil Pablo of Umingan, Renato Sembrano of Mangaldan, Benito Lopez, Jr. of Plaridel, Bulacan, and Joel Calderon of Guimba, Nueva Ecija.
The annual cycling road race was principally sponsored by Emperador Distillers, Inc. and supported by Mangaldan Mayor Herminio A. Romero.
Only 48 of 60 starters survived.
The event’s pedal-by-pedal account was aired live over DZRD Sonshine Radio 981 Khz AM. — JAG, Jr.
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