Cycling: Le Tour to affirm PHL's role of developing sport

PhilCycling president Bambol Tolentino said the 2012 Le Tour de Filipinas is proof of global cycling's recognition of the country's contribution to the continuous development of the sport. The Le Tour, now on its third year and the only local race that is part of the International Cycling Union's (Union Cycliste Internationale, UCI) Asian Tour calendar, is set from April 14 to 17. The four-stage race starts in Sta. Ana, Cagayan with the finish line at Burnham Park in Baguio City. "It's not very easy to organize a multi-stage road race, and having it sanctioned by the UCI for that matter. The cycling world would be focusing on the Philippines for four days, thus keeping the flames burning for the annual summer sports spectacle that the Filipino fan has enthusiastically followed for more than half a century now," said Tolentino. Tolentino added top foreign cyclists, some noted international campaigners, are out to challenge the Filipino riders. "The foreign opposition may be that tough, tougher to be more precise, but the Le Tour de Filipinas definitely gives our local cycling heroes the opportunity to match skills and grit with some of the world's best in a sport where heart, inspiration and dedication play a major role," he said. The first stage on April 14 will cover 155 kilometers from Port Irene in Sta. Ana to Tuguegarao City. Stage Two, April 15, will be a 110-km ride from Tuguegarao to Cauayan City. The third stage on April 16 will be a 102-km journey to Bayombong. After three days of sprints, the 85 cyclists representing 12 foreign and five local teams shift their focus and strength to maximum gear as they pedal on steep climbs on the Cordilleras toward Burnham Park via Benguet Province, a distance of 153 kms. — JVP, GMA News