Fil-Dutch rider is new Roadbike team member

Emmanuel Van Ruitenbeek, a Filipino-Dutch rider who’s been regularly campaigning in UCI-organized European races, is the newest addition to Team Seven Eleven Roadbike Philippines. Van Ruitenbeek’s request to change his citizenship and UCI code from Dutch to Filipino was approved by PhilCycling president and Tagaytay City Mayor Abraham Tolentino. Van Ruitenbeek has competed for the last five years in Continental races organized by the International Cycling Union (UCI, Union Cycliste Internationale). Van Ruitenbeek was born in Cebu but grew up in The Netherlands. He already applied for a Philippine passport as part of his intention to compete wearing the country’s tricolor. Van Ruitenbeek believes he can help the Filipino riders with his experience. “I am racing for my 5th year now in a UCI Continental Team and have experience in the big European races I would be able to share." “For me personally, it might also open up the possibility to ride in the World Championships or maybe even the Olympics in 2012." He finished with a Bachelor in Aerospace Engineering degree at the Delft University of Technology in Southern Holland. Van Ruitenbeek is also eyeing a stint in the World Championships and possibly a berth in the 2012 London Olympics. – JVP, GMANews.TV