THE Integrated Cycling Federation of the Philippines will be using the Le Tour de Filipinas as one of the qualifiers for the Philippine team to the 2014 Asian Cycling Championship.
Philcycling president Abraham Tolentino said the top Filipino riders in the April 21 to 25 Le Tour, a Union Cycliste International-sanctioned event, will most likely gain a slot for the Asian Championship set May 29 to June 1 in Astana, Kazakhstan.
“We will use this as a qualifier to the Asian Championships. Wala na tayong mapaghanapan ng qualifier, mabuti nalang at mayroon pang Le Tour,” said Tolentino, also a representative the 7th district of Cavite.
Only two Philippine teams — Roadbike Philippines-711 and Philippine Navy-Standard Insurance — will compete in this year’s international race.
But Philcycling executive director Jojo Villa clarified that all members of the Philippine team for the Asian Championship won’t necessary come from the Le Tour.
“Balak namin kunin lima. Maximum of six riders ang team na puwedeng ipadala,” said Villa.
The Asian Championship, Villa said, will also be a gauge on who to send in the Incheon Asian Games from September 19 to October 4.
“'Yun na rin ang qualifer sa Asian Games. So far kasi, ang qualified palang sa amin ay BMX,” said Villa, referring to 2012 London Olympian Daniel Caluag.
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