Breaking Limits: Filipino Riders Chase Glory at Asian Road Championships

The Philippine national cycling team has arrived in Phitsanulok, Thailand, to compete in the 44th Asian Road Cycling Championships and the 31st Asian Junior Road Cycling Championships. With high hopes and rigorous preparation, the team is ready to showcase their talent on the international stage starting February 7.

Philippine Cyclists Ready for International Battle

Led by Southeast Asian (SEA) Games medalists Ronald Oranza and Jermyn Prado, the 21-member Philippine contingent is poised to make a strong impact in the prestigious competition. The team is backed by the PhilCycling Federation under the leadership of Philippine Olympic Committee president Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino.

The national cycling team has arrived in Thailand to compete in the 44th Asian Road Cycling Championships. Representing the country with a mix of experienced athletes and promising young riders, they are set to participate in various events with determination and pride.

Among the promising athletes are junior riders Kent Steven Zambrano, Roy Benedict Plastina, Mary Gwennielle Francisco, and Jazmine Kaye Vinoya, who excelled at the Batang Pinoy Nationals last December. Their inclusion marks a significant step in PhilCycling’s grassroots development program, designed to nurture young talents for future elite competitions.

Team Composition and Event Lineup

The national squad, supported by the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) and the MVP Sports Foundation, will compete in various categories, including the team mixed relay, individual time trial, and road race events. The men’s lineup includes Joshua Pascual, Julius Tudtud, Junrey Navarra, Marcelo Felipe, Steven Nicolas Shane Tablizo, Andrei Dennis Deudor, Jude Gabriel Francisco, and Ruzel Agapito. Meanwhile, the women’s division features Phoebe Salazar, Maura Christine March de los Reyes, Maritoni Krog, Kim Syrel Bonilla, Angelica Mae Altamarino, Angela Joy Marie Bermejo, and Raven Joy Valdez.

Road to Success: Coaching and Support

The delegation is accompanied by an experienced coaching staff, including Reinhard Gorantes, Mark John Lexer Galedo, Virgilio Espiritu, Marita Lucas, and Joey de los Reyes. The team is also supported by mechanics Reynaldo Navarro and Roderic Calla, with Sunshine Joy Vallejos serving as the team director.

The Philippine cycling team embarked on a long journey to Thailand, traveling from Bangkok to Phitsanulok in preparation for the grueling competitions ahead. Their participation underscores the country’s dedication to strengthening its presence in Asian cycling and inspiring future generations of Filipino cyclists.

As the championships unfold, the team aims to deliver outstanding performances, uphold the nation’s sporting pride, and bring home accolades that will further cement the Philippines’ growing reputation in the world of competitive cycling.