Morales primed for ‘coronation’

MALAYBALAY, Bukidnon—The 2016 LBC Ronda Pilipinas Mindanao leg ran mostly on a flat course, giving high-velocity riders like Jan Paul Morales of Philippine Navy-Standard Insurance a huge edge.

The 31-year-old sprinter asserted his mastery of the course in the first four stages, and now needs to merely make it to the finish line in today’s three-kilometer criterium in the provincial capital to claim the general classification title.

On top of the totem pole with 49 points, Morales’ advantage will be impossible to overcome even if his challengers win the fifth and final lap of the race.

“I’ll just have to finish the race. I hope I won’t get into trouble on the road,” said Morales, excited at the thought of winning his first major Tour title.

At far second is Navy teammate Ronald Oranza, who ruled the first two stages in Butuan City, with 35 points, while Navy team captain Lloyd Reynante placed third overall with 33 points.

Morales, a double-bronze medalist in track races during the 2011 SEA Games, put a virtual lock on the GC after winning the individual time trial, one of his specialties, in stage 4.

The rider from Calumpang, Marikina, placed 2nd in the massed start opening stage and second lap (criterium) in Butuan City.

Morales, who made a name for himself in velodrome races, finally ruled the third stage, another criterium, to grab the red jersey, Ronda’s symbol of leadership, from Oranza.

Overall, Daniel Ven Carino of Navy placed fourth with 30 points followed by teammates Rudy Roque (26 points), Calderon (23), El Joshua Carino (16), Jhon Mark Camingao (12) and Ronnilon Quita of LBC/MVP (12).