Caption: After the success of the Go For Gold Criterium Race Series 1 up North, more homegrown talents are expected to emerge in the Queen City of the South.
MANILA, Philippines–Cyclists from Visayas have a chance to showcase their strength at the Go For Gold Criterium Race Series 2, which is set to flag off Sunday at City Di Mare in Cebu City.
Months after the Series 1 race in Clark, Pampanga, promising cyclists from the Visayas take their turn in this maximum acceleration, one-day speed contest at Cebu’s newest criterium hub.
One of the goals of the Criterium Race Series, which is expected to draw 500 cyclists from different categories including the men’s and women’s elite and under-23 races, is to pave the way for discovery of more homegrown heroes in cycling.
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“With Cebu being a hotbed of cycling and cycling talent, we expect that there will be a lot of spectators who will tune in to our event, ’’ said Go For Gold founder Jeremy Go.
“Aside from organizing safe and well-run races in order to elevate the sport of cycling in the Philippines, these races serve as talent identification.”
Marvin Mandac, a 17-year-old from Batangas, caught the eye of the Go For Gold Cycling Team during the Criterium Race Series 1 last Match after winning the juniors category.
Marco Lumanog from Pangasinan likewise attracted attention after figuring prominently in the men’s elite class.
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“Not all cyclists will be given the opportunity, but this is one way to discover those talents. The best way to find them is to set up top-quality races where cyclists from far-flung areas can access and show off their skills,’’ said Go For Gold project director Ednalyn Hualda.
Entries from the junior (17-18 years old) and youth (15-16 years old) categories, the men’s 30-39 and 40-up divisions, as well as in the manager’s category will race in the out-and-back course at City Di Mare.
The men’s elite will race for 25 laps on the flat 1.1km course while the women’s elite is bound to complete 20 laps. The under-23 category should ride for 30 laps, the youth and junior divisions plus the men’s 30-39 and 40 up will race for 20 laps and the manager’s group will pedal for 15 laps.
Over P200,000 prize money is at stake, with the champion in both the premier men’s and women’s elite categories receiving P20,000 each.
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The final leg of this year’s criterium series is being penciled for either September or October in Mindanao.