Philippine Navy cyclists dominate road race in national trials
Philippine Navy-Standard Insurance cyclists Ronald Oranza and Kate Jasmin Velasco dominated the road race in their respective categories in the recently concluded PhiCycling National Trials for Road held at the Clark Freeport Zone.
Mr. Oranza topped the men’s road race in Day 2 on Sunday of the two-day trials while Ms. Velasco earned her second gold medal.
Pangasinan native Oranza led the top three finish by the Navymen in the 147.6-kilometer road race that started and finished at the Clark Parade Grounds. He had a time of three hours, 18 minutes and 25.80 seconds.
Teammate George Oconer came second at 3:18:32.15, followed by Ronald Lomotos with a time of 3:18:35.23.
Ms. Velasco, winner of the individual time trial on Saturday, meanwhile, ruled the 80.7-km women’s race with a time of 2:15:17.62, with teammate Mathilda Krogg also ending up with a podium finish at third, clocking 2:15:19.75.
Runner-up was Avegail Rombaon of Devel, who crossed the line 1.76 seconds behind Ms. Velasco.
The Integrated Cycling Federation of the Philippines’ (PhilCycling) National Trials for Road was presented by Standard Insurance, Smart, MVP Sports Foundation, Bases Conversion and Development Authority and Clark Development Corp.
It was also supported by Go for Gold, Chooks-to-Go, GAC Motor, Gatorade, Versa, 7-Eleven, Le Tour de Filipinas, 7-Eleven, UBE Express Inc., Powerade, Wilkins, Coca-Cola, Shimano, Bike-X and MadCrank.
Mr. Oranza expressed hope that the successful holding of the national trials would be the start of more events happening moving forward.
“I am praying this trials will mark the return of cycling events all over the country.” — Michael Angelo S. Murillo
