UMINGAN-born Philippine Tours veteran Ferdinand “Emil” Pablo earned his biggest paycheck in life as a professional cyclist by finishing second in the Ramadan Cycling Championship, a short one day road race held in Dubai, United Arab Emirates last week.

Pablo, a former member of Mangaldan based Pitaki Boyz of Jazysports Team and veteran of multi-stage Philippine races pocketed 80,000 dirhams (roughly P920,000) crossing the line 10 seconds adrift to Victor Carvalho of Portugal but nipped Canadian Michael Sagermann in-a-wild-dash finish.

Pablo, 29, father of two in barangay Esperanza and the only Pangasinense to join the 70-kilometer bikefest, also beat compatriots and co- veteran riders Virgilio Muena (8^th), little-known Neil Duhaykungsod (12^th), ex-Pagcor Casino Filipino Trade Team member Albert Primero (20) and 2004 Tour Pilipinas titleholder Ryan Tanguilig (21st).

For his effort, Pablo has been invited to join the Giant Propei Team, a well-known Dubai-based cycling group that usually competes in Asia and Europe.

“I’m so happy to win a race in a foreign country. I believe I deserve that offer which I can’t turn it down because this is for my family,” said Pablo who now works as a bicycle mechanic in Dubai. —JAG, Jr.

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