Although women cyclists abound in duathlon and triathlon events in the country, organizers of the 4th Cycling Search Invitational (CSI) would like to see more women joining purely road races in the near future.
Joselito Santos, former national coach and mentor of the all-women David’s Salon Cycling team, said he’d like to see more women competing in the CSI events, as this would prepare them for possible international competitions.
“Actually, marami tayong siklistang mga babae na nasa duathlon at triathlon. Kaya nga ini-encourage namin sila na sumali sa mga road races, katulad ng CSI. But some cannot commit to join because of lack of sponsors na rin and because most of them are professionals,” said Santos, whose most prominent ward in his all-women squad is no less than lady senator Pia Cayetano, a health buff and cycling enthusiast.
So far, 33-year-old Marita Lucas leads the women’s category in the masters’ side of the 4th CSI event after two legs.
With Santos and Lucas in Tuesday’s Philippine Sportswriters Association (PSA) Forum at the Pantalan Restaurant in Manila were CSI race director Ric Rodriguez and pro open current leader Sherwin Diamsay of Hubert Hubs & Wheels.
Rodriguez announced in the public sports program sponsored by PAGCOR, Manila Mayor Lito Atienza and Manila Sports Council (MASCO) chairman Ali Atienza that the next leg slated Oct. 14 will be held either in Tagaytay City or Cabanatuan City.
“This is so far the biggest cycling event in the country in terms of participation. We average at least 400 participants for every leg, including those who participate in the ‘people’s race’, a category race for ‘weekend’ riders who want to experience the thrill of an actual bike race,” Rodriguez said.
Diamsay, on the other hand, vows to keep his lead against his pursuers, most notably last year’s defending champion Victor Espiritu, in the coming leg.
“Panay na po ang ensayo ko ngayon sa Pangasinan. Siyempre gusto ko pa rin hawakan ang overall lead,” said Diamsay, who holds at plus-20 points edge against Espiritu, skipper of the Philippine Army team.
Diamsay and Espiritu were teammates in the Tour de Langkawi in the defunct Pagcor trade team.
“Medyo lamang sa akin si Espiritu sa karera sa patag, pero pipilitin ko pa ring makasabay,” Diamsay declared.
