12th Leg of Ronda Pilipinas 2012 starts in Lingayen

Vice Gov. Jose Ferdinand Z. Calimlim, Jr. (2^nd from right) and Provincial Administrator Rafael F. Baraan (2^nd from left) flash the number one sign after the Pangasinan cyclists led by Alfie Catalan of San Manuel (center) topped the stage 11 of Ronda Pilipinas 2012 bike race at the Capitol grounds in Lingayen last June 5.  Sharing the top spots with Catalan are second placer Arnel Quirimit of Pozorrubio (3^rd from left) and third placer Ferdinand Pablo of Umingan (3^rd from right).

Lingayen --- Two days after three Pangasinenses dominated top three posts of the 11^th leg of Ronda Pilipinas Road Cycling Championships, the 12^th leg dashed from the Capitol Building and zoomed away to the highlands of Baguio City on June 7, here.

Battling it out in the 96.7km road race to Baguio City are some 80 cyclists coming from various provinces in the country; 16 of them are Pangasinan residents.

            With the sterling performance of San Manuel resident Alfie Catalan who topped the 11^th leg in 2 hours, 40 minutes and 27 seconds together with his fellow Pangasinenses Arnel Quirimit of Pozorrubio and Umingan local Ferdinand Pablo, who placed second and third, respectively, Governor Amado T. Espino Jr., was elated to know that cyclists from the province have gained momentum to possibly covet another championship this year.

Before firing up the starting gun of 12^th stage, Governor Espino congratulated the cyclists for reaching this far saying that the last two legs will be crucial in determining the fastest riders this year. “I hope that one Pangasinan cyclists will again win this year,” he added as he stirred up riders from Pangasinan to do their best sprints.

            Provincial Administrator Rafael Baraan cited during the fellowship night held June 5 at the Pangasinan Training and Development Center that the province has been consistent in producing top cyclists in the Philippines; among those are three-time Ronda Pilipinas Champion Santi Barnachea and Pangasinan cycling icons Jess Garcia and Jacinto Sicam.

As he disclosed his short message, Baraan said the provincial government hopes that Pangasinan will be chosen as regular stage lap of Ronda Pilipinas yearly.

            Also present during the fellowship night, Vice Governor Jose Ferdinand Calimlim expressed his admiration to the cyclists for their prowess in the sporting event. 

“Pangasinan has loved cycling and in behalf of our Governor, we thank the organizers for choosing Pangasinan as one of the stages of Ronda Pilipinas 2012. We are here for merriment tonight and may you consider the province as your home away from home,” Calimlim added. 

With the warm accommodation accorded by the provincial government, Rodriguez being thankful for the goodness of the provincial officials promised that yearly Ronda Pilipinas will have a leg in Pangasinan.