By Jerome Lagunzad
SAN VICENTE, ILOCOS SUR – Navy-Standard Insurance skipper Jan Paul Morales’ quest for an unprecedented golden treble is expected to go on a fine start as the 2018 Ronda Pilipinas presented by LBC wheels off on Saturday with the 40-kilometer criterium opening stage around the nearby Vigan City Hall here.
But Morales, 32, bidding to become the only three-time winner in what is considered as country’s biggest race since 2011, is expected to carry a big target on his back as former champions and promising contenders are out to foil his ambitious bid.
Team Franzia ace Santy Barnachea, the other two-time winner, as well as 2012 titleholder Irish Valenzuela and former Marlboro Tour champion Warren Davadilla of Team CCN Superteam and Army’s Cris Joven are all tipped to vie for the coveted individual title that offers a whopping prize of P1million in cash.
However, Morales said he and the rest of the fancied Navymen, including former King of the Mountain winner Junrey Navara and prized recruit Ronald Oranza, will keep a close eye on Go for Gold star George Oconer.
“Malakas ‘yang si George,” he said of the 26-year-old son of former two-time Olympian Norberto Oconer, who’s back in the hunt after skipping last year’s edition as he served his commitment to the national team during the Southeast Asian Games.
Even Navy coach Reinhard Gorantes, who’s now calling the shots in lieu of veteran rider Lloyd Lucien Reynante who has hooked up with Team Bike Xtreme, said his wards will have their hands full in trying to sustain their dominance.
“Mas prepared ang mga riders ngayong taon kesa sa mga nakaraang editions. ‘Yung mga naglaro sa national team natin, kasali rin ngayon,” he said. “Hindi kami nakakasigurado na mananalo talaga kami pero gagawin namin ang lahat ng makakaya para ma-retain ‘yung overall title.”
Meanwhile, Barnachea, who last hoisted the crown back in 2015, is determined to prove that he’s still far from being a spent force even if he’s at 41 years old. “Mahirap manalo ngayong taon pero susubukan ko pa rin. Hindi naman na ako bumabata pero ‘yung mga makakalaban ko, pabata nang pabata,” he said, tongue in cheek.
All protagonists from 12 competing teams, including the Go for Gold developmental team led by veteran campaigner Ronnel Hualda, should make an early statement in the initial stage which will pass through the famous Calle Crisologo, known for its old Spanish-influenced houses and cobblestone pathway.
Gorantes added that this year’s 12-stage race, supported by MVP Sports Foundation, CCN, Petron, Versa.ph, 3Q Sports Event Management, Inc., Boy Kanin, Franzia, Standard Insurance, Bike Xtreme, SH+, Guerciotti, Prolite, Green Planet, Maynilad, NLEX Cycling, Lightwater, LBC Foundation and PhilCycling, will provide a “true test of endurance among all the riders.”
Also out to pull off some big surprises are underrated riders from Team Iloilo, Team Nueva Ecija, Team South Luzon, Team Tarlac and Team Ilocos Sur.
