WITH A record prize pot of P7 million, the LBC Ronda Pilipinas looms as the country’s biggest and most challenging bikathon ever.
The cycling tour fires off in September and will cover 12 stages spread over 20 days across the archipelago.
Ronda Pilipinas, the richest since the 1998 Marlboro Tour, stakes P1 million each for the individual winner and the team champion.
Hefty cash rewards will also go to stage winners with prizes scaled down to 20th place in the individual category.
A total of 15 teams—at least nine from Luzon and two each from the Visayas and Mindanao—made up of six riders each will be formed after five regional qualifying races to be held in Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao. The regionals start on May 6 in Tarlac.
Organized by LBC Express Inc. in a bid to generate awareness of a clean environment, Ronda Pilipinas will be a test of strength, speed and endurance over 1,680 kilometers.
“The concept is in line with our corporate mission to provide consistent, speedy and prompt delivery services to our customers from Manila to any point in the country through our nationwide network,” said LBC Express president Juan Carlos Araneta.
As in all previous Tours, the punishing Baguio-to-Baguio lap is expected to decide the overall champion.
The qualifying race in the Visayas will be held in Silay City, Negros Occidental, on May 12 while Malaybalay, Bukidnon, will host the Mindanao qualifying on May 15.
Interested participants may secure application forms from any LBC branch and Rudy Project stores or download them at www.rondapilipinas.com. There are no entry fees.