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Cycling enthusiasts Zoren Legaspi and Kuya Kim Atienza are happy that sports events like bike races are back after it was halted for about three years because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

This month the three celebrity cyclists will headline the PruRide PH 2023 to be held separately in Clark and in Cebu on May 21 and May 28, respectively.

During its launch held recently, Kuya Kim couldn't help but remember his experience in the prestigious cycling event called Ride London, where he and Zoren attended through the help of PruLife Philippines.

“I will never forget that PruLife brought us there. We rode 100 miles from London to Zürich, ang starting line namin Buckingham Palace. Sarado ang buong London. Akalain mo, we went through Piccadilly Circus, all the beautiful places there all closed down for that ride. And we rode 100 kilometers to Zürich, ang ganda! Kung magus-Zwift kayo, yung dinadaanan sa Zwift, dinaanan naming lahat 'yon in person. I cannot forget that.”

Like in Ride London, the scenic views in Clark and Cebu excite the Tiktoclock host.

He said, “We are so looking forward to this year kasi iba naman ang timpla ngayon. Ngayon for fun naman, bonding with the family. We'll be just out there riding a bicycle. Riding a bicycle, for me, is a blessing. Fitness is a blessing. It's a privilege to ride a beautiful machine with beautiful surroundings, beautiful people--that's a blessing. After all we've been through for the past two years, talagang ibang klase ang dating ng bike ride natin ngayon.”

For his part, Zoren promises to enjoy and appreciate these beautiful views, which he was not able to do during their last Ride London.

He related, “We were devastated when we were told na cancelled yung London [because of the pandemic]. We were planning to take so many photos. On our first event there, we were so excited that we just focused on our race, to finish the ride as fast as we could. We were so stupid enough not to take videos. So, during the pandemic, 'Where [are] my photos?' There was none! Ang daming magagandang… we can just park our bike and take photos, so much people… ang daming siklista sa Europe!”

Despite the pandemic, Zoren said he never stopped cycling because it was his way of connecting with people.

“I didn't stop riding because I'm really a cyclist by heart,” he said.

“When I ride in the streets, I see people who are less fortunate. I ride solo, so when I see street na nai-intrigue ako, I go there, and I see kids, parang, may ganito palang buhay. If you don't witness it, you won't believe it exists. But when you go to these streets and makikita mo yung mga taong less fortunate, it's an eye-opener. That's why I love cycling. It bonds me with the people I don't know, it bonds me to strangers.”

Joining Zoren and Kuya Kim is TV host Gretchen Ho, who is also excited to ride her bike in Clark and Cebu.

“I'm excited to take on the challenge because I had my first 60-kilometer race with Pru. I got into cycling because of Pru. Ngayon naman, balak namin mag-100 sa Clark. Sa Cebu naman, exciting kasi bagong daan 'yon. Parang feeling ko, as I progress in this sport, I progress with Pru, so it's good to be back,” she said.

Zoren Legaspi, Gretchen Ho, and Kuya Kim Atienza with cycling content creators Jeno Cuenco, Ger Victor, Darlings Levi & Sara.

With a bigger and more exciting cycling festival this year, the ride will be held in two legs, one in Clark and one in Cebu, which are both open to families with child-friendly activities as part of the festivities.

Casual and seasoned cyclists from Luzon and Visayas can join the Gran Fondo, a safe and timed ride ranging from 30 to 60 and 100 kilometers. Gran Fondo 30 is ideal for beginners, while the 100 replicates the route taken by professional cyclists. Those looking for a moderate challenge can join the Gran Fondo 60, which follows a condensed format of the 100.

Professional and amateur cyclists can also be part of the free 175K virtual race happening on May 21 in Clark and May 28 in Cebu. The cyclist finishing with the best time will be declared this category's winner.

The Family Fun Ride is a 5K cycling activity for groups, while the Kids Cup is a fun and friendly race for children.

PRURide PH 2023 will end on a high note with a free concert by a top OPM band both in its Clark and Cebu legs.

MEANWHILE, CHECK OUT THESE CELEBRITIES WHO ARE CERTIFIED #SIKLISTA: