National riders join virtual ‘Pulse’ race

The absence of an organized road race throughout the year has prompted national cyclists Ismael Grospe Jr. and Jermyn Prado to bring their act in a virtual ride.

Grospe and Prado will race in the inaugural PRURide PH Virtual Challenge on Pulse, the country’s largest cycling festival where riders can participate online.

“I’ve been away from competitive cycling for a long time,’’ said Grospe in Filipino, a bronze medalist in the men’s team road race during the 30th Southeast Asian Games last year. “I ride my bike, but only for short distances.’’

Powered by Pulse, Pru Life UK’s all-in-one health management app, the races have multiple virtual challenges of flat and uphill routes with a distance of 30 kilometers, 60 kms, 500 kms and 1,000 kms.

Prado, the women’s time trial gold medalist in the 2019 SEA Games hosted by the country, is likewise supportive of the virtual race that could prepare them for when actual road race cycling resumes.

To sign up in the virtual rides, cyclists need to download the free Pulse app on any Android or IOS device, and sync it with a Pulse-compatible wearable such as a smart watch to track the riders’ performances. INQ