LEGAZPI, Albay—The weather forecast for today sounds gloomy. But it is not expected to dampen the spirits of Team 7-Eleven Roadbike Philippines, the Philippine national team and the rest of the 15 participants of the eighth edition of the Le Tour de Filipinas hits the road this morning.
Cloudy skies, with moderate to occasionally heavy rains and thunderstorms are predicted.
This weather condition is expected to be experienced over the Bicol Region and Eastern Visayas and is expected to hide the majestic Mayon Volcano from view at the early morning gun start at Legazpi Blvd. here.
Three experienced Filipino riders led by 7-Eleven’s Mark Galedo and Rustom Lim, and Team Philippines’ George Oconer will spearhead the local riders’ bid against 13 foreign squads in what is considered as one of Asia Tour’s most sought-after races.
Team 7-Eleven Road Bike Philippines will start its bid to get a good result after placing second last year to Vino 4ever SKO of Kazakhstan.
“Kahit last-minute changes, lalaban pa rin sila. Training nila ito para sa Southeast Asian Games. Pero, sana magtulungan sila,” said team manager Bong Sual.
With the Kazakhs’ absence this year, podium-finishing Team Terrenganu of Malaysia and Bridgestone Anchor of Japan will make an effort to improve on their third- and fourth-place finishes last year during the seventh edition.
The 164.49-km Stage 1 over rolling and mostly descending terrain, will be flagged off by Legaspi City Mayor Noel Rosal and PhilCycling Chairman Bert Lina at the city’s Embarcadero promenade area.
The race ends in Sorsogon in front of the capitol building, with a 300-meter steep climb at the 105.8-km mark providing a challenge in the King of the Mountain portion.
The last-minute inclusion of Galedo and Lim of Team 7-Eleven replacing Nelson and Bonijoe Martin is expected to boost the Philippines’ bid after they have
The Martin brothers will join 7-Eleven’s other team that will compete in the Tour de Langkawi, with Jesse Ewart and Josh Berry.
Galedo and Lim will be joined by Edgar Nieto and Arjay Peralta.
The Herald Sun Tour, a five-stage International Cycling Union (UCI) Category 2.1 race in Australia since 1952, gave Galedo and Lim some experience after they raced against the likes of former Tour de France champion Chris Froome, who lost his bid to Orica-Scott’s Damien Howson.
On the other hand, the hastily-formed Team Pilipinas Go For Gold squad, led by Oconer may have been formed on short notice, but will be in top fighting form.
Team manager Norberto Oconer said the national squad was able to test the routes, but their practice runs in the mountainous roads of Jala Jala, Rizal still got them ready.
Suiting up for the nationals are John Mier, Jerry Aquino, Boots Cayubit and Mervin Corpuz.
Also competing are Team Ikyo (Japan), Bridgrestone Anchor Cycling Team (Japan), Oliver’s Real Food Racing (Australia), Terengganu Cycling Team (Malaysia), LX Pro Cycling Team (South Korea), Uzbekistan National Team, CCN Cycling Team (Laos), Keyi Look Sport Cycling Team (China), United Arab Emirates National Team, Attaque Team Gusto (Chinese Taipei) and Sapura Cycling Team (Malaysia).
