THE country’s top cyclists will see action in the 2009 Jun Ebdane Cup on November 13 in conjunction with the celebration of Pangasinan Day, a local holiday.

The road battle, sponsored by former Public Works and Highways Secretary Hermogenes Ebdane Jr., will be spearheaded by 2009 Padyak Pinoy champion Joel Calderon of Guimba, Nueva Ecija, who will also be the top bet among the visiting delegation of 25 riders.

Providing stiff competition to the visitors are Pangasinan’s homegrown cyclists, headed by 2003 Tour Pilipinas titlist Arnel Quirimit of Pozorrubio, 2006 Padyak Pinoy king Santi Barnachea of Umingan and the  Mangaldan-based  cycling squad Pitaki Boyz composed of former national cyclists Ericson Obosa, Elmo Ramos Jr., Irish Valenzuela, Sherwin Carrera and Renato Sembrano.

The open bikefest to be contested by 70 contestants will start and finish in Mangaldan, passing through Dagupan City, Calasiao, San Carlos City, Urbiztondo, Mangatarem, Aguilar, Bugallon, Labrador, Sual, Alaminos City, Bani, Banganoda junction (Agno), Mabini, then back to Alaminos City, Sual, Labrador, Lingayen, Binmaley, Dagupan City, Longos junction (San Fabian).

The race will cover an approximate distance of 230 kilometers.

“We are staging this memorable event primarily to entice the youth to seriously get involved in sports competitions like cycling and to discover new talents in this field who can represent our nation in international competitions,” said Ebdane. “It’s the best way to combat the drug menace affecting our country today,” he added.

Up for grabs are P20,000, P15,000 and P10,000 cash prizes for the first three finishers.

The pedal-by-pedal account will be aired live over DZRD Sonshine Radio 981 Khz AM.—JAGJr.

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