CYCLELINE Extreme team of Butuan City is the heavy favorite of the Second Juan Race for Peace that will unreel on December 11 in an out-and-back course from Davao City.
PhilCycling deputy secretary-general Salvador “Jun” Paholio, who was joined by Radyo ni Juan supervisor Dodong Solis, bared this during the Davao Sportswriters Association Forum held at the NCCC Mall Food Cove Function Hall Thursday, November 10.
Paholio said Cycleline is a team with full support from its local government unit (LGU) and has been competing regularly in different races.
The two Davao City teams, Genreich Car Supply-Davao Team A and Davao Team B, will try to pull off surprises in the field that also expects stiff opposition from Sultan Kudarat, Tagum City, Inner-G Gold of Bukidnon and General Santos City riders.
Paholio said the 235-kilomoter event is organized by Radyo ni Juan five years since the first Tour of Mindanao staging was held.
Five more slots are available in the bikefest that features open elite, team classification and 21 years old and below categories. Each team shall be composed of four elite riders and two 21-below riders.
From Davao City, participants will pass through Panacan with Compostela Valley as turning point and back to origin.
“Madugo itong race kasi mati-test ang stamina ng mga riders,” Paholio said.
He also thanked Solis for putting up the event to revive road bike and mountain bike in Davao City.
Solis, for his part, said Radyo ni Juan aims to uplift the sport of cycling and promote peace in Mindanao line with President Rodrigo Duterte administration’s direction.
“Maglalagay kami ng [We will place] white ribbons sa mga bikes ng riders at sa mga areas na dadaanan nila kasi the color white symbolizes peace,” Solis said.
The open elite champion will capture a trophy and pocket P10,000 cash while the next two placers will pocket P7,000 and P5,000, respectively.
Team champion will receive P30,000 and a trophy while P20,000 and P10,000 be given to the next two finishers.
The top three finishers of the 21-under event will take home P5,000, P3,000, and P2,000.
Special prizes will be given to KOM and the youngest riders.