San Carlos City to honor cyclist Domingo

By Jesus A. Garcia Jr.

I WAS surprised to receive a call from San Carlos City alderman Manny Resuello last week. Although the Resuellos are friends of mine, especially the late Mayor Jolly, I have not personally met Councilor Manny before. He called to ask for the cellphone number of Enrique Domingo, a cyclist from their city, whom they intend to honor during the city’s fiesta celebration in April.

I was delighted to hear Councilor Manny’s move. I recall that the idea to fete Domingo was first put forward by Mayor Ayoy Resuello in 2006 but for some reasons I don’t know, it did not push through. But I believe that will finally happen now.

Councilor Manny also said he’s planning to conduct a one-day bikefest during the fiesta.

Do-mingo bagged the “Sprint King” plum seven times, a record that has not been surpassed by anyone, during his cycling heydays in the now defunct Marlboro Tour. The Sprint King title was one of the most prestigious honors during the annual multi-stage road racings.

Unfortunately, his dream to win the Tour championship proved elusive. His best finish was fourth in the general classification and he was perennially a top ten finisher.

Domingo, now 39 years old, was a member of the RP team for 10 years during 1990s and early 2000s. He competed in several international races like the Le Tour de Langkawi, Tour of Japan, and Asian Cycling Championship to name a few and won some honors during these competitions.

He’s a member of the Philippine Army at the Special Service department with the rank of corporal. The last time I talked to him, he said he’s busy working on his promotion.

Domingo, from barangay Panggalanga, is also a former member of the Pangasinan cycling squad called Pitaki Boyz. He was one of the few that brought multiple honors for San Carlos City in the field of sports. He remains active in cycling competitions but gone are his exceptional aptitude. His best victory last year was winning one stage in the Tour of Pangasinan held in May. He said that when he reaches the age of 40 this coming April, he wants to compete in the master division races, which is more suitable for his capabilities as an aging man.

Yes, Domingo has moved to Manila and no longer resides in San Carlos, but as far as I’m concerned, he still deserves to be given an honor from his hometown, the place where he was born, raised and educated.

What was given to FPJ is also due Domingo and to other San Carleans.

Carry on Councilor Manny.

* * * * *

This news bit came late to me and by the time you read this piece, the two-day Pozorrubio bikefest scheduled on January 9 and 10 would already be over. The bikefest, which was run in two categories — 40 years old and above and elite division — was in conjunction with the celebration of the town fiesta. It was bankrolled by businessman Dominador de Vera, a native of the town and uncle of 2003 Tour Pilipinas king Arnel Quirimit.

According to Quirimit, De Vera, one of the supporters who helped Arnel capture the 2003 multi-stage crown, is aiming to seek a seat in the town’s council in the 2010 polls.

I will report on the results of that race next week.

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