Lina to mediate in cycling's leadership row

MANILA, Philippines – Former PhilCycling president Alberto “Bert" Lina will act as mediator between cycling’s warring factions in order to resolve their leadership dispute. Lina is chairman emeritus of the International Cycling Union (UCI)-backed group led by Tagaytay City Mayor Abraham “Bambol" Tolentino while also one of the business associates of the Philippine Olympic Committee (POC)-supported unit headed by Dr. Mikee Romero. Lina is trying his best to unify the said warring factions. Romero, who officially assumed his position after being inducted by no less than International Olympic Committee (IOC) representative to the Philippines Frank Elizalde last Wednesday, confirmed the ongoing negotiations to end the problem that would lead to Philippines being able to compete in the Southeast Asian Games (SEAG) in Laos. “I and Mayor Bambol (Tolentino) are not enemies and it’s just that we are on the other group. But we’re working to find a solution to unite the two and Mr. Lina I believe is the right person to act as mediator," said Romero. Despite assuming the presidency of the POC-supported group, participation to the Laos SEA Games is still uncertain since the UCI reaffirmed its support to Tolentino. Tolentino also has on his side the support of the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC), which has announced that they are giving back the allowances of the national riders which they withheld pending resolution to the problem. PSC chairman Harry Angping gave back the athletes’ allowances since Tolentino managed to secure the UCI’s continued endorsement. The SEA Games is being run by UCI accredited officials and under their rules, only cyclist with UCI licenses can compete in their events. “We really need each other because our group can’t compete in the SEA Games without the UCI licenses while their group can not also see action because they don’t have the POC endorsement. For the betterment of Philippine cycling we should really join hands and I’m willing to step down from this position if needed just to unify the two groups," added Romero. POC spokesman Joey Romasanta in a separate interview said that the National Olympic Committee will not top the unification of the two groups. “If it’s for the good of the sport then the POC will not get into their way," said Romasanta. – GMANews.TV