Roque, Navy cyclists seek to widen gap

Lloyd Reynante —EDWINBACASMAS

PILI, Camarines Norte—Behind Philippine Navy-Standard Insurance’s early dominance here in LBC Ronda Pilipinas is a master strategist with a very familiar last name in cycling: Reynante.

Lloyd Lucien Reynante, the 39-year-old son of Tour legend Maui, said that if he fails to live up to his father’s expectation and not win a crown, at least he gets to be a coach and trainer.

“My father’s legacy in cycling will continue through my coaching,” said Reynante, who has never won a Tour title but finished runner-up four times.

The Navy has four riders—Rudy Roque, Ronald Lomotos, Daniel Ven Carino and Jan Paul Morales—in the top four going into Tuesday’s sixth stage from here to San Jose town, a team time trial over spanning 46.6 kilometers.

At fifth is Kinetix-Army’s Cris Joven, three minutes and 20 seconds behind Roque.

Navy paces the team standings holding a 20-minute, 55-second lead over second-running Go For Gold and 32:54 over Kinetix-Army.

Reynante said their goal is to finish all 14 stages with four of their riders in the top 10.

“Right now, our aim is to protect our riders because they will be targeted by other teams,” he said.