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.
George Oconer rules the 10th Ronda Pilipinas. (Ronda Pilipinas Images)
Oconer, 28, emerged the new Ronda champion while the Navymen ran away with their sixth team crown in row in the 10-stage 10th anniversary race that started in Sorsogon on February 23 and concluded in Vigan City Wednesday.
It was the first title for Oconer after starting out 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 Oconer.
Ronda Pilipinas champion George Oconer. (Ronda Pilipinas Images)
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 line up 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.
“We owe it to our sponsors and the whole of the Philippine Navy to give it our best,” said Morales, who added another feather in his cap by emerging as CNN Sprint King. “So expect us to try and win it again next year,” he added.
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 Chulani.
“Yes, it’s confirmed. See you all in Mindanao next year,” said Guerrero.
Ronda was sponsored by Palayan, Nueva Ecija, Versa, 8A Performance, Print2Go, Petron, Green Planet, Bike Xtreme, Standard Insurance, Spyder, CCN, Lightwater, Prolite, Guerciotti, Black Mamba, Boy Kanin, Vitamin Boost, NLEX-SCTEX, Maynilad, 3Q Sports Event Management Inc., LBC Foundation and PhilCycling.
Source: Manila Bulletin
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