Ronda champ Lapaza ready for big challenge

MANILA, Philippines—Defending Ronda Pilipinas champion Reimon Lapaza knew the spotlight’s on him. He’s not comfortable with it, but he promised to do his best.

The 29-year-old Butuan City native, who stole the thunder from the big-name competitors to capture the 2014 title, said he has doubled up on his training because he knew everybody will be up against him this time.

“I’m very prepared and ready to defend the title,” said Lapaza in Filipino while looking forward to leading almost 100 top cyclists when the 2015 Ronda Pilipinas presented by LBC hits the road this Sunday from Paseo Greenfield City in Sta. Rosa, Laguna.

Off-hand, Lapaza picked Philippine team spearhead and 2012 champ Mark Galedo as major contenders along with former champs Irish Valenzuela and Santy Barnachea. He also mentioned this year’s Luzon qualifier winner Ronald Oranza.

“Last year, there was no pressure, but this year I know I will be the marked man,” said Lapaza, who burst in the limelight last year after finishing among the top five in the Visayas qualifier.

More than the prestige, Lapaza said he is dedicating his campaign this year to a friend and former teammate Vicmar Vicente, who died in a road accident in Davao last year.

Another rider to watch is Visayas qualifying winner Boots Ryan Cayubit who is Oranza’s teammate in the crack 7-Eleven Club, which is expected to figure prominently in the team race along with Navy-Standard Insurance and Army.

Also joining the fray are a bunch of European riders, who were seeded in the championship race along with Lapaza and Galedo’s teammates in the PH squad.