ARMSTRONG'S FALL IS MIND-BOGGLING

Phil Daily Inquirer.  Then, a few minutes later, he was off, literally like a rocket, leaving rivals for dead and making the towering Mont Ventoux look like little more than a speed bump.

The physical strength he showed that July 13 at the 2000 Tour was mind-boggling. And there were so many other equally mind-boggling moments in the other six Tours he won... Read more

SOFIA'S CHOICE: IT'S TRIATHLON OVER CANCER FOR SPUNKY GIRL, 9

Phil Daily Inquirer.  Danny always has in mind two snapshots of his daughter. The first is of the six-year-old Sofia, hair torched, teeth crooked and nails blackened by chemotherapy. She is wearing a face mask as he lifts her up during one PBA championship celebration. The other is of the nine-year-old Sofia in full battle gear, closing in on the finish line in an Ironkids race in Cebu... Read more

SMART-PH CYCLISTS JOIN ASIAN TOURNAMENT

Published in Phil Daily Inquirer Newspaper on Feb. 4, 2012 Sat. issue

A SMART-Philippine squad brimming with youthful talent will vie for honors in the 32nd Asian Cycling Championships and 19th Asian Youth Championships from Feb. 8 to 18 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Rustom Lim, 19, who won a road race bronze medal in last year's Asian Youth bikefest in Bangkok, Thailand, will spearhead the Under-23 squad that also includes another promising 19-year-old, George Oconer, son of former Olympian and Tour veteran Norberto Oconer.

Both Lim and Oconer will be competing in the track events, and will be joined by Rudy Ruque and Gerald Mendoza in the road race.

The lone track bet in the junior division is 17-year-old Ryan Bravo, who will team up with Ronald Lomotos and Igi Maximo in the road competition.

The under-23 quartet of Lim, Oconer, Roque and Mendoza looms as the dark horse that may pull-off a surprise in the road contest, according to head coach Cesar Lobramonte.

"We want to bring youthful riders to Malaysia since we believe that they are our future cycling stars who will evetually make their mark in overseas competitions," said PhilCycling president and Tagaytay City Mayor Bambol Tolentino shortly after the national team paid a recent courtesy call on Smart Chief Wireless Advisor Orlando Vera.

We welcome the opportunity to support the national cycling team, especially these young riders whom we expect to give their all against Asia's best to bring honor and glory to our country," Vera, for his part, said.

CAMINGAO, TIPLES RULE BOHOL TOUR

(click to enlarge)

Published in Philippine Daily Inquirer Newspaper Sept. 28, 2011 Wed issue

MANILA, Philippines—Favored James Tiples of PLDT-Liven and newcomer Romeo Camingao of Excellent Noodles shared the limelight in the Tour of Bohol held recently.

Tiples, a category 4 rider, topped the 90-kilometer road race while Camingao stole the limelight in the 22-km individual time trial of the two-day event organized by Bike King.

The host province also made its presence felt as Roberto Sanial and Antonio Beronio of Paseo De Loon finished one-two in the Category 4 ITT race.

Action in the event supported by Triathlon Association of the Philippines, Pocari Sweat, Orbea Bicycles and Corratec Bicycles began Saturday with the road race held in an out-and-back course at the Loay Municipal Hall.

Tiples recorded the best time at 2:20:53, narrowly nipping Paolo Sauler at the finish line.

Camingao finished third at 2:21:56 but bounced back in Sunday’s ITT race, where he displayed his climbing skills to finish in 46 minutes and 40 seconds.

RG Roa and Mark Ellis of Fitness First contented themselves with second and third places in 47:22 and 49:13, respectively.

Sanial and Beronio rode on their familiarity with the uphill race course to claim first and second spot with times of 48:56 and 51:18. Excellent Noodle’s Ferdinand Ojerio took third in 52:44.

“The objective in holding the first ever cycling event in the 3rd District of Bohol is to showcase our beautiful scenes, to promote the district as a sports destination, and to provide opportunities for our locals to showcase their talents,” said Rep. Arthur Yap.

Cebu Cycling’s Igi Maximo ruled the Junior division with times of 2:53:23 and 53:33 in the two-stage race.

Female rider Ting Joson of Bike King Joson negotiated the road race in 2:54:17 and recorded 1:12:34 in the ITT while Malaysian Aina Farid finished the mountain climb in 1:11:57.