MANOLO FORTICH, Bukidnon-Nothing can be more challenging and rewarding in cycling for Jan Paul Morales than to race against the clock.
Morales lived it up yesterday when the time-trial specialist from Philippine Navy-Standard Insurance ruled the fourth and penultimate stage to put a virtual lock on the 2016 LBC Ronda Pilipinas Mindanao overall title.
“I don’t want to celebrate until I complete the race,” said the 31-year-old Marikina City ace after submitting the fastest time of 48 minutes and 26.69 seconds in the 21.7-kilometer individual time trial that began and ended at the hilly Dahilayan Forest Park here.
Morales claimed his sixth career stage win, including an ITT last year in Baguio, and the third stage in Cagayan de Oro.
Holding sway in the general classification race with 49 points, all Morales needs is to finish Saturday痴 3 km criterium in Malaybalay, Bukidnon, to prevail.
The relatively flat final lap will be disputed near the provincial capitol where riders race for an hour plus three additional loops on the route.
Ronald Oranza, who ruled the first two stages in Butuan City, had 35 points overall while Navy team captain Lloyd Reynante lay third with 33.
Joel Calderon, the 2009 Tour winner, and Oranza checked in second and third, seven seconds off Morales, in the stage that featured a 10 km uphill finish.
Overall, Daniel Ven Carino of Navy placed fourth with 30 points followed by teammates Rudy Roque (26), Calderon (23), El Joshua Carino (16), Jhon Mark Camingao (12) and Ronnilon Quita of Team LBC/MVP (12).