LBC RONDA PILIPINAS 2018: HIGHLIGHTS OF THE COVERAGE

The author is privileged to be part of the biggest cycling race in the country. Likewise, it is an honor working with other veteran sports commissaires, marshalls, sports journalists, Livestream reporters, and other LBC staffers comprising the ninth edition of the LBC Ronda Pilipinas cycling competition.

Despite the rigors of the coverage, the fast-paced events, and the inconveniences we experienced, it is fulfilling to know that I became part of the growing and most-talked about bikathon in the country.

Earlier, Snowscape Video Production and the LBC Ronda Pilipinas cycling media head, Snow Badua, tapped me to be the stage host of LBC Ronda Pilipinas 2018. In the same way, Snow Badua tasked me to feature prominent attractions within the ambit of the scheduled racecourse. For me, this opportunity is indeed a remarkable and fruitful experience.

As a feature reporter and screenwriter, I was given a blanket authority to feature unique tourist attractions and interesting places in Region I, II, III, and IV-A.

Yet, we got them covered, notwithstanding the time allotted to do that particular stuff.

Out of the blue, Postcards, an LBC Ronda Pilipinas feature presentation, came into play to complement the coverage and the cycling race’s recapitulation in general. It was born out of passion and enthusiasm on the sidelines of the road cycling race. The avid cycling fans then heartily welcomed and appreciated the new feature and segment. Though, we only made four features in the entirety of the cycling competition.

LBC Ronda Pilipinas 2018 covers 1,416 kilometers of the grueling and energy-draining race.

Twelve professional cycling teams, such as Philippine Navy Standard Insurance, Philippine Army Bicycology, Go for Gold Developmental Team, Go for Gold Elite Team, Team Francia, Bike Extreme, CCN Superteam, Team Ilocos Sur, Team Nueva Ecija, Team Iloilo, Team South Luzon, and Team Tarlac, comprised the LBC Ronda Pilipinas 2018.

Initially, there were 96 riders, but as the stage advanced up to the last stage, the numbers drastically dwindled and plunged to 73.

The criterium stage one race commenced in the Philippines’ heritage city, Vigan, famous for its cobblestone streets, Antillean houses, and notorious hairpin roads.

Since Stage 2, Ronald Oranza of the Philippine Navy Standard Insurance had displayed incredible and unparalleled performance, thus clinching his way to becoming the top-performing pedal pusher in the individual classification. At the same time, his teammate, Jan Paul Morales, the defending champion and back-to-back LBC Ronda Pilipinas champion (2016 – 2017), sustained his sprint leadership in the majority of the stages. The Marikina pride also became a KOM wearer at a certain stage.

^{In 2016, Jan Paul Morales and Ronal Oranza placed first and second in LBC Ronda Pilipinas 2016.}

Finally, Ronald Oranza, the red jersey wearer since stage two, was proclaimed the overall champion, followed by his teammate Jan Paul Morales, the Sprint King in this year’s competition. Meanwhile, Junrey Navara, the 3rd placer, was awarded the KOM white jersey emblazoned with red polka dots.

Further, Jay Lampawog, the townmate of Ronald Oranza, received the best young rider (U23) award and the yellow jersey.

In summary, the Philippine Navy Standard Insurance dominated the 2018 LBC Ronda Pilipinas by 1-2-3 finish. They sustained their leadership in the team classification championship title for five straight years.

Trailing the Navy Squad is the Philippine Army Bicycology under their patron, games and amusement board chairman Eric Buhain.

Go for Gold Developmental team, headed by its patron, Jeremy Go, meanwhile, placed 3rd.

In most of the stages, Team Go for Gold Developmental had settled on the second spot, but the Army had only overtaken them in the last stages.

The awarding ceremony was held at the Filinvest Tent in Alabang, Muntinlupa on 18 March 2018 presented by LBC in cooperation with MVP Sports Foundation, Petron, 3Q Sports Event Management Inc, Francia Wine, Maynilad, NLEX, SCTEX, CCN, Bike Extreme, Philippine Rabbit, Lightwater, Tagaytay International Convention Center, Boy Kanin, SH plus, Guerciotti and Black Mamba energy drink.

WRITING ACKNOWLEDGMENTS