BANGKOK — Southeast Asian Games cycling added another medal to the Philippines’ tally after the men’s team time trial squad captured bronze in Prachin Buri Province on Sunday morning.

The Filipino quartet finished behind Indonesia and host Thailand in the 48.50-kilometer race, securing cycling’s fifth bronze medal at the 33rd edition of the regional meet.

The team, led by veteran Ronald Oranza and backed by younger support riders, clocked one hour, 16 minutes, and eight seconds. Six nations competed in the event, starting in groups of four riders at three-minute intervals.

Indonesia claimed the gold medal with a winning time of 1:13:27, while Thailand followed with silver at 1:14:31.

Teamwork pays off in road event

The Philippine squad was assembled by PhilCycling under the leadership of Philippine Olympic Committee president Abraham Tolentino, with preparations highlighted by a six-week intensive training camp in Tagaytay City and nearby Cavite towns.

Oranza was joined by Joseph Javiniar, Nash Joshua Lim, and Joshua Pascual, forming a balanced lineup of experience and youth. Road coaching duties were handled by a staff led by Reinhard Gorantes, with Marita Lucas and Joey de los Reyes.

Team officials credited the result to disciplined preparation and cohesion throughout the race, emphasizing that the time trial demanded coordination and sustained effort from start to finish.

Momentum continues for Philippine cycling

The bronze in the men’s team time trial added to a productive stretch for Southeast Asian Games cycling, following three earlier bronze medals secured in BMX and mountain bike events earlier in the week.

Attention next shifted to the women’s criterium scheduled Sunday afternoon at the Chulachomklao Royal Military Academy compound in Nakhon Nayok, where Philippine riders were set to compete later in the day.

PhilCycling officials opted to house the road team in hotels close to race start points, citing the long distances from the official athlete accommodations designated by the hosts.