VIGAN — The triumphant George Oconer and Standard Insurance-Navy are looking to extend their reign when the LBC Ronda Pilipinas goes to Mindanao next year.
Mr. Oconer, 28, emerged as the new Ronda champion while the Navymen ran away with their sixth team crown in a row in the 10-stage 10th anniversary race that started in Sorsogon on Feb. 23 and concluded in Vigan City on Wednesday.
It was the first title for Mr. Oconer after starting his career in the LBC Ronda Pilipinas where he finished an impressive third as a wide-eyed 19-year-old son of two-time Olympian Norberto.
“I hope to defend my title next year,” said Mr. Oconer.
Mr. Oconer bested a field that included former Ronda winners Santy Barnachea (2011, 2015) of Scratch It, Mark Galedo (2012) of 7Eleven Cliqq-Air21 by Roadbike Philippines, Reimon Lapaza (2014) of Celeste Cycles and Standard teammates Jan Paul Morales (2016, 2017) and Ronald Oranza (2018).
The Navymen were even more impressive as they took their sixth crown by almost half an hour over two continental teams — 7Eleven and youth-laden Go for Gold — and a seasoned Bicycology-Army.
And with an almost intact lineup composed of Ronald Lomotos, John Mark Camingao, Junrey Navarra and El Joshua Carino, Standard is already a heavy favorite to reign supreme anew in the 11th edition of this annual event considered as the biggest cycling race in the country.
LBC Ronda Pilipinas chairman Moe Chulani and project director Bernadette Guerrero announced during the awarding ceremony at the Vigan Convention Center Wednesday night that the race, presented by LBC and supported by the Manny V. Pangilinan Foundation, will return to Mindanao starting in Tagum, Davao del Norte.
“Yes, the 11th LBC Ronda Pilipinas edition will start in Tagum and will pass by the Davao region, Cagayan de Oro and Bukidnon,” said Mr. Chulani.
