Oconer tops q’fying race

SUBIC—Climber George Oconer cut loose from the speeding pack in the final 11 kilometers to rule the qualifying race of the 2017 LBC Ronda Pilipinas yesterday.

Oconer negotiated a long uphill finish before crossing the line in three hours, 23 minutes and 49 seconds at Forest View Park here to conquer the 101-kilometer course made challenging by the hilly Bagac, Bataan terrain.

“The time is ripe for me to win the Ronda,” said the 24-year-old mountain specialist

The son of two-time Olympian Norberto Oconer began joining Ronda races in 2011. He finished in the top 5 thrice—second to 2014 champion Santy Barnachea—but has never won the biggest prize.