Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino and David Lappartient, both key figures in the Olympic and cycling world, met on Friday during the opening ceremony of the 9th Asian Winter Games. Their discussion covered significant topics in cycling and the upcoming International Olympic Committee (IOC) presidential elections.

Strengthening Cycling in the Philippines

Tolentino, who serves as president of both the Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) and PhilCycling, shared that their conversation started casually but quickly shifted to meaningful discussions about the future of cycling.

“Dave [Lappartient] conscientiously asked about cycling in the Philippines and expressed full support for our track cycling program,” Tolentino said. “He was happy to learn that a UCI-standard indoor velodrome in Tagaytay City will be operational in a few months.”

The velodrome, located in Tagaytay City, where Tolentino is also the mayor, is expected to open by mid-year. The facility will replace the Amoranto Velodrome in Quezon City, which is reportedly set to be demolished to make way for a football field.

Lappartient’s IOC Presidential Bid

Beyond cycling, the two leaders discussed the March 21 IOC elections in Olympia, Greece, where Lappartient, the president of France’s NOC, is among the seven candidates vying to replace Thomas Bach after his 12-year tenure.

“Dave got serious about the IOC elections, stressing his vision for the Olympic movement,” Tolentino said. “We’re hoping and praying for Dave to win, and I personally believe he’s the most capable to lead the Olympic movement.”

Lappartient has deep-rooted connections to cycling in the Philippines. In 1995, he was part of the commissaires panel that oversaw the Asian Road and Track Championships in Amoranto and Subic.

Before arriving in Harbin, Lappartient was in Bangkok, where he attended the Asian Cycling Confederation elections.