Shimano, 4 others out to foil Pinoy bets in RP cycling Tour

Foreign teams led by Japan-based Shimano are expected to take center stage when the Le Tour de Filipinas 2010 (Tour of the Philippines) hits the on Saturday in Tagaytay City. “Malalakas ang mga foreign teams, lalo na yang Shimano. Palagi naming nakakalaban ang mga yan sa labas kaya talagang mabigat ang laban (The foreign teams are strong specially Shimano. We always compete with them in international races that’s why it will be an uphill climb for us)," said Seven Eleven team director Ric Rodriguez. "Kailangan talaga makaporma sa unang lap, d'yan talaga ang labanan, kasi pag maganda ang puwesto mo d'yan, siguradong maganda na ang tapos nung team (That’s why we a strong finish after the opening lap. If you had a good standing your team is expected to do well." Winning the first lap is a must for the team known for carrying a large number of convenient stores throughout the nation. Seven-Eleven will be bannered by veteran Filipino riders led by two-time champion Victor Espiritu, who is out to reclaim lost glory in the biggest summer sports spectacle. Other Filipino bets ready to hold the fort against a formidable cast of foreign riders are Warren Davadilla (Tanduay), Santy Barnachea (Extra Joss), Irish Valenzuela (American Vinyl), Baler Ravina (Smart), Mark Guevarra (Team Pilipinas), Arnel Quirimit (Air21), Bernard Luzon (Wow Videoke) and Joel Calderon. "This is a dream come true for us so we will do our best to make this race successful so that next year we can make it bigger and longer. We might add stages in Visayas and Mindanao," said PhilCycling president Abraham Tolentino. But the local bets will certainly have their hands full against the foreign squads led by Shimano and Giant Asia Racing Team, two teams tipped to dominate the 145-kilometer route from Tagaytay-to-Tagaytay. Other foreign teams are Leopard of Mongolia, DCM of South Africa, OCBC of Singapore and CCN Sportswear-Colossi of Hong Kong. Team Vali ASR Kerman of Iran failed secure proper visa accreditation. The mass start begins 9 a.m. and the riders will quickly negate the route in the province of Batangas. They will pass by Tuy, Balayan, Calaca, Lemery, Taal, Cuenca, Lipa City and Malvar before entering the city of Tanauan, and the town of Talisay, known for its famous "Sungay" road, the most challenging part in the opening phase of this event. After passing by the scenic towns of Batangas, the riders will hike their way up al the way to the finish line at the People's Park in Tagaytay. A total of P84,000 will be given to the lap winners. – GMANews.TV