MANILA, Philippines—It will be a cold summer for the heat-seasoned riders of the Padyak Pinoy.
Cycling godfather Bert Lina Tuesday decided to cancel this year’s edition of the Padyak Pinoy after a group of national riders rose up against the Philippine Cycling Federation on the alleged irregular purchase and distribution of equipment in the Southeast Asian Games.
Piqued by the stubborn mutiny, Lina has called off the multi-stage bikathon until the controversy surrounding the acquisition of the cycling gear used by the national team in Thailand biennial meet last year is settled.
“I would only consider bringing the Padyak Pinoy back on the road (when) all these have been settled and cleared,” said the PhilCycling president, who is credited for the revival of the Tour in 2002.
A dozen national team riders led by 2007 SEA Games gold medalists Alfie Catalan and Marites Bitbit spearheaded the uprising as they sought the ouster of head coach Jomel Lorenzo, whom the cyclists charged with the anomalous acquisition and distribution of equipment.
Besides Catalan (Army) and Bitbit (Army), the other mutineers are Eusebio Quińones (Navy), Carlo Jasul (Army), Nilo Estayo (Air Force), Paulo Manapol (Army), Emelito Atilano (Air Force), Arnold Marcelo (Army), Alvin Benosa (Army), Warren Davadilla (Air Force), Frederick Feliciano and March Mequin Aleonar. Mechanic Edwin Niyo (Army) also joined the rebellion.
Despite their clamor, Lorenzo was retained by PhilCycling because of his performance and pending the decision on the case filed by the riders before the Office of the Ombudsman.
Also included in their complaint were Philippine Sports Commission officials and members of the PhilCycling board, including Lina.
