IN THE END it's the cyclists who might eventually suffer.

This dire consequence emerged Friday after the Philippine Sports Commission said it will hold its financial assistance to the Philippine Cycling Federation until it resolves the controversy over certain purchases of bikes and cycling equipment.

The PSC did not say whether the allowances of the athletes in the national pool will also be withheld.

The national riders are scheduled to compete in Jakarta next month.

PSC chair William "Butch" Ramirez said that a case has been filed before the Ombudsman, effectively halting the investigation started by the agency's legal department.

The Ombudsman, according to Ramirez, has taken over the case because it involves public funds.

"The procurement was done above board, and the PSC is just dependent on the request of PhilCycling," said Ramirez, who talked about the issue for the first time.

PhilCycling president Bert Lina has called on the riders to file charges in the proper forum.

Overpriced equipment
The cyclists, including gold medalists in the Thailand Southeast Asian Games in December last year, accused PhilCycling of distributing overpriced bikes and equipment reportedly worth P2.2 million.

The equipment were used during the recent SEA Games where the country bagged four gold medals.

In a press statement, PhilCycling declared that it "merely made recommendations to the Task Force for the 24th SEA Games, an ad hoc body composed of representatives from the PSC and the Philippine Olympic Committee (POC), for the bicycle and equipment requirement for the Thailand Games."