Climb king catches last Ronda trip

DANAO CITY—Junrey Navarra missed the cut in the previous qualifying race of the LBC Ronda Pilipinas 2018 in Tarlac City.

The climber from Navy-Standard Insurance did not bungle his chance this time by topping the final qualifier held here on Saturday.

Navarra, 25, broke away from local bet Jonel Carcueva in the final 500 meters to secure a spot in the multistage race proper slated in March.

A three-time King of the Mountain, Navarra ruled the 161-kilometer course in three hours, 58 minutes and 35.30 seconds.

“I’m the only one from our team who had yet to qualify coming into this race,” said the General Santos City native.

Ronald Oranza placed third, 40 seconds behind Navarra.