MultiSport: 2015 March

HOW TO FIX YOUR FLAT TIRE LIKE NIKKO HUELGAS

MULTISPORT SWIM BIKE & RUN

M A R C H 2015

WILL WE SEE FILIPINO CYCLISTS IN THE TOUR DE FRANCE?

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MOVE OVER BASKETBALL AND BOXING, TOP BETS MARK GALEDO AND JUNREY NAVARRA ARE LEADING THE CYCLING PACK TO INTERNATIONAL GLORY

CHRIS ALLISON ON MOBILIZING FILIPINOS FOR TOUR DE FRANCE

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BIKING NUTS AND BOLTS WE DIG BIKE BITES PORTABLE SNACKS TO FUEL YOUR RIDE

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MULTISPORT

C O N T E N T S MARCH 2015

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THE SUM OF ITS PARTS

Get equipped with 13 cycling gear tailored for every type of rider

04 FUEL FOR YOUR RIDE

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editor in chief Patrick Joson

CHRIS ALLISON

editor at large Kaye Lopez managing editor Eric Nicole Salta editorial assistant Romeo Moran graphic artist Mona Tan copy editor Joy Rojas staff photographer Patrick Segovia contributors Pia Puno | Danica Condez | Nikko Huelgas | Lee Caces | Mon Garcia | Dix Perez | Maysie Lecciones

Why he's banking on Filipino bikers to make it big in cycling

08 CHASING GLORY

The facts about loading up on the bike

Mark Galedo and Junrey Navarra, the men in charge of the cycling revolution

06 HOW TO FIX YOUR FLAT TIRE

Worried about a flat? Relax. Elite triathlete Nikko Huelgas shows you exactly how he does it

12 FINDING CARTIMAR

Have you been to this landmark bike hub?

Let us take you on a tour

executive board chairperson Alexandra Prieto-Romualdez finance advisor & treasurer J. Ferdinand De Luzuriaga legal advisor Atty. Rudyard Arbolado hr strategy head Raymund Soberano vp/chief strategy officer Imelda Alcantara svp and group sales head, inquirer group of companies Felipe Olarte group publisher Bea Ledesma creative director Niña Muallam sales sales director Ma. Katrina Mae Garcia-Dalusong key accounts specialist Angelita Tan-Ibanez senior account executive Thea Ordiales | Abegail Ginaga account executives Andie Zuñiga, Sarah Cabalatungan sales support assistants Rechelle Endozo | Karen Aliasas business development business development manager Moby Aragones business development associate Kyla Arce social media associate Lex Celera marketing and distribution business manager Rina Lareza circulation supervisor Vincent Paul Oliquiano distribution specialist Inoue Aurelio marketing associate Joy Ramos marketing assistant for events Abbey Manliclic marketing graphic artist Maysie Lecciones | Lee Caces distribution assistants Nancy Baybay | Angela Carlos-Quiambao subscription assistant May Ann Dayang merchandisers Richard Leyva | Rosito Subang

PHOTO BY PIA PUNO

production production manager Noel Cabie final art supervisor Dennis Cruz production assistant Maricel Gavino final art assistant JR Larosa

EDITOR’S NOTE

THE WHEELS OF LIFE

IT network systems engineer Kyle Billote | Romeo Gargullo

If you are a self-confessed cycling addict like me, then you’re in for a major treat.

qualify to race in France, how our attitude and wiliness to fight and suffer is critical in the sport of cycling.

This month’s issue is all about cycling—the mighty bicycle, the cyclist who rides it, and the sport itself. It’s about the Philippine cycling scene: where we sit in the global cycling map, where to find the best deals, and what we can all do to be better cyclists.

Now we also have some things for the casual rider. If the bicycle is more your thing rather than the riding, then a guide to Cartimar will be of great help to you. Go and visit the cradle of cycling industry in Pasay and find the best deals you can.

We discuss the question of when and whether Filipinos can make it to the most prestigious cycling event in the world, the Tour de France. Front and center on our cover are our best bets to do that: Mark Galedo and Jun Rey Navarra, two of our best professional cyclists. They share with us their triumphs and sacrifices and hopes that someday they may qualify for Le Tour (the costs of which, may we add, might take the whole Philippine sports budget).

Experts say we can do it. Chris Allison, our national cycling team coach, passionately explains to us how a Filipino can

custom publishing associate managing editor Pam Brooke Casin senior project coordinator Reneè Espenilla graphic artists Aubrey Porciuncula | Roi De Castro | Tej Tan | Yayie Motos | Jayceline Soriano account executives Shanna Maling | Ina Mateo | Bea Perez editorial assistants Pauline Miranda | Kristine Fulgencio

We’re also looking ahead. Our Youth Olympic Games hopeful Tomas Fabie tells us how he manages his love for cycling and how his family supports his Olympic dream. And lastly, get to know elite duathlete Joey De los Reyes of Standard Insurance and compare your numbers to his.

This issue is close to my heart as I may be a swimmer first and a cyclist second, but the bike and biking have made a strong impression in my life. I’ve made good friends and lasting memories of all the races and training rides that I have done through the years. Indeed for me, cycling has a deep culture and rich tradition that I continue to share and discover.

hr hr director- shared services Chuchi Gracia hr assistant Reynalyn Fernandez finance & admin finance & admin manager Maria Cecilia Balitaan admin assistant Nathalie Presillas general accountant Renato Ramirez collection assistant Rosalie Cataneo billing analyst Marilyn Galvan accounting assistant Zosimo Lim messenger/collector Ramonito Dumayaca

ALL CONTENTS COPYRIGHT 2014, RESERVED FOR HINGE INQUIRER PUBLICATIONS, INC. No part of this magazine may be used or reproduced in whole or in part, without the express written permission of HINGE INQUIRER PUBLICATIONS. The views and opinions expressed in this magazine are not necessarily those of HINGE INQUIRER PUBLICATIONS. Mail correspondence to Multisport Philippines, 4/F Media Resource Plaza Mola St. corner Pasong Tirad, Brgy. La Paz, Makati City. For comments, feedback, and advertising inquiries, contact: (632) 403-8825 Email: multisportphilippines@gmail.com, multisport@hip.ph

Patrick Joson editor in chief

multisportphilippines@gmail.com

WHERE TO FIND US RELEASE DATE: MARCH 6-16, 2015

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• NEWPORT • PASEO GREENFIELDS STA ROSA • ROCKWELL • SM MALL OF ASIA • TRINOMA TIO2: GREENBELT RECREATIONAL OUTDOOR EXCHANGE: BONIFACIO HIGH STREET • MARQUE MALL RUNNR PLANET SPORTS: ALABANG TOWN CENTER • GLORIETTA 3 • POWERPLANT MALL • ROBINSONS METROEAST • TRINOMA • VMALL THE ATHLETE'S FOOT: ALABANG TOWN CENTER • GLORIETTA 3 • ROBINSONS GALLERIA • ROBINSONS PLACE • STA LUCIA EAST GRANDMALL SPORTS WAREHOUSE: CLUB 650 • MARKET! MARKET! TOBY'S SPORTS: SHANGRILA PLAZA • SM MEGAMALL • ROBINSONS GALLERIA • ROBINSONS METROEAST • SM THE BLOCK • SM FAIRVIEW • PARKSQUARE 1 • SM MALL OF ASIA • TRINOMA • GLORIETTA 4 • SM MARIKINA • GREENHILLS SHOPPING CENTER

THE BRICK MULTISPORT STORE ALL TERRA BIKESHOP: LIBIS • ORTIGAS BIKE KING CELEBRITY SPORTS CLUB MANILA POLO CLUB BIKE ZILLA BOC CYCLE MART CHRISTY'S BIKESHOP CLUB 650 GRANTRAIL CYCLES: ALABANG • MAKATI JOVEN ENTERPRISES LIFECYCLE: GREENHILLS • MAKATI NEW PAULINA'S CYCLE CENTER SABAK: ALABANG • MAKATI • STA ROSA A RUNNER'S CIRCLE SECOND WIND RUNNING STORE: QC • ORTIGAS THE BIKE ROOM VELO CITY BIKE SHOP

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G E A R MULTISPORT

agu paiso, trek bicycle STORE

“When buying bikes or bike gear, make sure it fits! It should fit the intended use, fit the rider, and of course, fit the budget”.

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the sum of its parts 04

Too often we've told you which complete bikes to get, but now we're telling you which little bits of cycling gear matter more

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PHOTOS BY PATRICK SEGOVIA

norman arteficio, sabak sports and adventure

“Online purchases may be cheaper but bike shops offer after sales service which you will be enjoying even years after purchasing the item. ”

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andy leuterio, specialized

“Always have a flat replacement kit with you: pump, tube, levers.

And know how to use them!”

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01 Specialized 2FO Clip , P6,900 02 Bontrager RXL Gel Glove, P2,099 03 Trek Project One Speed Concept 9 Series frame,P299,999 04 Muc-Off Nano Tech Bike Cleaner, P480/liter 05 Bontrager RL Road Visibility Shoe, P2,899 06 Bontrager Hilo RXL Speed Dial saddle, P11,499 07 Trek Project One Madone 7 Series frame, P220,999 08 Nuun Active Hydration, P300/tube 09 Bontrager Travel Charger Pump, P2,799 10 Bontrager Circuit Helmet, P4,599 11 Osymetric chainrings, P5,500-17,000 (depending on size) 12 Knog Blinder 1, P990 13 Bontrager Aeolus 7, P129,999

For 01, 04, and 08, call Dan's at 894-5110 to locate an authorized dealer. 02, 03, 05, 06, 07, 09, 10, and 13 are available at Trek Bicycle Store, 30th St., Bonifacio Global City, Taguig City. 11 is available at Sabak Sports & Adventure, Unit 9 La Fuerza Plaza, 2241 Chino Roces Ave., Makati City

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N U T R I T I O N MULTISPORT Whether you're a triathlete or a pure cyclist, the best time to replenish your muscle glycogen stores is while you're on the bike. For triathletes, eating or drinking is obviously not practical while swimming unless you actually stop. Although it's possible to eat on the run, most gastrointestinal issues happen when you get to the final leg of the race.

You really can't load up on the run as much as you can while riding, which is why triathletes are advised to treat the bike leg as a "rolling buffet" (getting as much nutrition as they can tolerate) before reaching T2. Similarly, in order for cyclists to survive an intense road race or a long training ride, they need to carry portable snacks for fuel. Here are some tried-and-tested portable snacks, including pre-packaged, natural, and homemade options that get the MultiSport seal of approval.

A word of caution, though: sports nutrition is very personal and the only way to find out if it works for you is to try it yourself.

WATER For rides that last an hour at most, water is all you need. To keep cool on hot days, place one water bottle (preferably the insulated kind) in the freezer the night before then bring one frozen and one cold bottle with you on next day’s ride. The chilled bottle gives you something to drink while the frozen water thaws.

ENERGY GELS VS. HONEY PACKETS

POWER UP! LEARN HOW TO LOAD UP ON THE BIKE TO ZIP PAST YOUR COMPETITION

Words by Kaye Lopez | Illustration by Danica Condez

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@multisportph

Energy gels are another scientifically formulated option stored in convenient single-serve packets. But for those with sensitive stomachs, honey is a better option.

It has the benefit of boosting your immune system, and the taste and consistency are more palatable than most energy gels, too. You can make your own homemade gel by mixing honey and molasses with salt, but if you don't have time, I highly recommend Honey Stinger Energy Gels for a good compromise between a formulated and natural energy source.

ENERGY BARS VS. PEANUT BUTTER AND JELLY SANDWICHES For long or ultra-distance rides, some athletes benefit from eating something solid and complex during the ride. Energy bars can be costly, though. For a more budget-friendly option, make your own peanut butter and jelly sandwich. Use white bread to lower the fiber content, which might upset your stomach. Slice one sandwich into four bite-size pieces and pack in small Ziploc bags for easy access from your jersey back pocket.

SPORTS DRINK VS. COCONUT WATER For rides that last longer than 90 minutes, it is advisable to supplement your water intake with sports drinks.

These are specially formulated to replenish lost carbohydrates, fluids, and electrolytes. If you want a more natural option, drink coconut water, which contains mostly potassium and less sodium. You can increase the sodium content of coconut water by taking it with salt sticks. Ensure that you try this first during training to find the perfect formula that works for you.

ENERGY CHEWS VS. DRIED OR FROZEN FRUITS Taking energy chews on the bike has been a recent discovery for me.

I find that taking a Honey Stinger Energy Chew every 15 minutes is more effective in sustaining my effort during a race than taking a Honey Stinger Energy Gel every 45 minutes.

For a more natural version that's also easy to chew, try dried fruits like dates (preferably pitted) and raisins or frozen seedless grapes and watermelon dipped in salt.

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F E AT U R E MULTISPORT

HOW TO FIX A FLAT TIRE EIGHT EASY STEPS TO GET YOU BACK ON THE SADDLE IN NO TIME COURTESY OF PHILIPPINE NATIONAL TRIATHLETE NIKKO HUELGAS Illustrations by Lee Caces

1. First, take out the wheel then deflate the interiors.

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2. Take out the interiors using a tire lever. We usually use two levers to properly take it out. Make sure you first enter the tire lever across the valve of the interior. The second one should be inserted just a few inches away from the first to easily remove the interiors.

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3. Once you’ve taken out the interiors in between the first and second tire levels, swipe out the interiors clockwise from the second lever.

4. Always check the inner and outer parts of the tires for small stones or nails.

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5. Pump the new interior just to about 5 PSI to easily insert it inside the tire.

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6. Insert the interior starting from the valve and continue clockwise.

Make sure you close the gap first of the interiors and the tires on top of the valve itself.

7. Once all the parts of the interiors have been inserted and closed, don’t forget to check the sides of the tires to ensure all interiors are well tucked in. This will guarantee that you won’t get a tiny hole once you’ve already pumped your tires.

8. Pump the tires to 100 PSI. If the new interiors already have a patch on them, then I suggest that you don’t pump it to more than 95 PSI.

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WHEEL AMBITION

NATIONAL TEAM MANAGER AND COACH CHRIS ALLISON IS PAVING THE WAY FOR FILIPINO TALENTS TO LAND COVETED SPOTS IN INTERNATIONAL CYCLING EVENTS Interview by Eric Nicole Salta | Photo by Pia Puno For Chris Allison, working with young talents was a natural progression after retiring from an amateur and semi-pro career. "Back in my day, I finished in the Top 25 of the US U-23 National Championships," he recalls. “Then I got a contract over to Europe, carving out my own small career there before that finished due to injuries.� Five years later, Allison has picked himself back up in astonishing form to pedal the Philippine National Cycling Team, a group of rare and transcendent talent, to its absolute peak. Not bad for someone who originally came out to the Philippines for a little sunshine.

You've been trying to get Filipino cyclists to make it to the Olympics and Tour de France. What made you decide to make this your mission?

The last time a Filipino qualified for the Olympics for road cycling was in 1992. It's been a while and now the qualification system has gotten a lot tougher than it was back then. It's more stringent and on top of that, all of the countries, especially in Asia, are stepping up their game. You also have to realize that the Olympics includes all the top Tour de France riders.

It's not impossible but we're on that road. We're also keenly interested in seeing the first Filipino in history make it to Tour de France. That's one of the underlying missions of what we're doing.

Why do you think we haven't made it yet?

Back in the day, we had the Marlboro Tour, which was a massive multi-stage cycling race that invited a lot of the top European guys.

When that was going on, you saw a lot of talent emerge. They had a big national race to shoot for so it got people excited about cycling.

Since then, the Marlboro Tour sort of faded away and we lost a generation because there wasn't a continuation of the momentum that the tour generated. We weren't developing guys as much. It's something that we're trying to rejuvenate. Now obviously you have Le Tour de Filipinas, Ronda Pilipinas, and Ironman doing their thing, which is fantastic.

Has triathlon paved the way for people to see cycling as more than just an underground sport?

Cycling has been there, don't get me wrong. There have been a lot of cyclists on the radar, the problem is a lot of your A and upper B market weren't into cycling until triathlon came along. It wasn't on the radar of top industries or sponsors or people wanting to put events together because it was sort of considered a masa sport. And yes, I definitely agree that triathlon has helped bring an interest toward bike riding.

Talk about your responsibilities in the Philippine team.

What we're trying to do is create the development pathway. If a grassroots kid in Mindanao or Cebu loves cycling and is passionate about it, what is that pathway? How do we shape that child's future if he wants to pursue cycling to the highest level?

My responsibility is to get that infrastructure in to start scouting these kids, get them on the pathway, and get them the international experience, exposure, and funding. It's a grooming process.

Not only in road cycling but helping out mountain bikers, looking at what we can do at BMX, and also on the track.

Why do you believe Filipinos can make it big in cycling?

The attitude, the willingness to fight and suffer.

That's very intrinsic to Filipinos and that gives us a lot of strength when we compete abroad.

Sometimes, our guys are the last to throw in the towel because they know hardship. Cycling is about dealing with those hardships; when it's hot, raining, or you're on the climb. You can't teach that.

That's the beauty of developing this sport in the country. Filipinos persevere and that's a talent you cannot train.

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Read the full interview on MultiSport.ph

SHOT AT NUVALI, LAGUNA | NUVALI.PH | FACEBOOK/TWITTER: NUVALIOFFICIAL | INSTAGRAM: NUVALIPH | SPECIAL THANKS TO PAM FIGUEROA, LITO SOLTURA, AND DIONN WYNN DIONIO

MULTISPORT F E AT U R E

THE LONG ROAD TO LE TOUR

CYCLING ISN'T A SPORT THAT, UNLIKE BASKETBALL OR BOXING, BIOLOGICALLY WORKS AGAINST US. WE'VE GOT SOME PRETTY TALENTED RIDERS, SO WHY HAVEN'T WE MADE IT TO THE TOUR DE FRANCE YET?

BY ROMEO MORAN AND ERIC NICOLE SALTA | PHOTOS BY PIA PUNO

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SHOT AT NUVALI, LAGUNA | NUVALI.PH | FACEBOOK/TWITTER: NUVALIOFFICIAL | INSTAGRAM: NUVALIPH | SPECIAL THANKS TO PAM FIGUEROA, LITO SOLTURA, AND DIONN WYNN DIONIO

C O V E R S TO R Y MULTISPORT

If you ask a young cyclist—any starry-eyed boy or girl who wants to make something of himself or herself on two wheels some day—what they really want to do, what they really want to accomplish, be surprised if they don’t tell you, is to race in the Tour de France.

Yes, the oldest, most prestigious bicycle race in the world. The cycling event that even non-cyclists know about. It’s a fair aspiration, much the same way collegiate hoopsters want to play in the NBA or amateur boxers dream of being the next Pacquiao.

But while Filipinos have achieved some degree of international fame in other sports, the one thing we haven’t done yet is penetrate the ranks of the Tour. You may not know it, and you might not care, but it hasn’t happened yet, even though in theory, there isn't a biological disadvantage that exists to stop us from succeeding on that stage. In other words, we're neither too short nor too small to win a bicycle race.

“I consider cycling to be like horseracing,” says Bert Lina, the chairman of the Philcycling Federation and a major patron of local cycling.

“Hindi mo minsan makukuha ‘yan sa taas [ng tao] eh, sa laki. Ang chances ng Pilipino talaga e malaki.”

And this isn’t just some patriotic perspective. “I’ve said it before and I’ll continue to say it: the body type of most Filipino cyclists is perfect for this sport,” declares Chris Allison, team manager of the national cycling team. “For us, there’s massive potential there.”

We’re always looking for ways to bring glory to our country, so if we’ve got the potential to ride and keep up with the world’s best, then why aren't we capitalizing on it? Well, we can honestly tell you that it’s certainly not from lack of trying. We’ve got some possible solutions to the problem.

THE THOROUGHBREDS Pass by these two unassuming and shy men on your way to work in the morning and you probably wouldn't think anything of them. You might not even give them a second look. And you would never have guessed that these ordinary guys, Mark Galedo and Junrey Navarra, are two of the country’s most elite cyclists from the national team, and two of our best chances to eke out a little more glory on the world stage.

But that’s all right. We don’t blame you if you don’t know them. Cycling, like these two men, is relatively unknown. It’s no basketball, no boxing, no football. Like any other sport, though, it’s a path to something better, whether glory, fame, wealth, or simply a place in life that is more preferable than where they were before.

Navarra, the 23-year-old from South Cotabato, would know a little something about that. A humble young man who had to stop schooling at 19, Navarra, a mountain biker who recently

switched to road cycling after 12 years, is a phenomenon. He joined the national team after a stint on a continental team (essentially, a corporate-sponsored team) and then placed second in a Tagaytay trial race. “[Navarra] is probably one of the purest raw talents I’ve ever seen,” notes Allison approvingly.

“His power-to-weight ratio is phenomenal, his VO2 max (the maximum volume of oxygen an athlete is able to expend) is up there at a worldcaliber level. It’s a matter of time before that guy [makes it really big]. Once he gets a little bit more experience under his belt, his genetics are going to take him far.”

Despite the glowing reviews he gets, Navarra isn't into playing up his credentials. He lives for each accomplishment, is happy to keep winning championships, but still feels he hasn’t earned anything monumental. Paradoxically, he isn’t sure about what he really wants to achieve as an elite cyclist. “Pwede,” he confesses, when asked if wants to compete at Tour de France.

“Kung ipadala kami,” he shares with nary a hint of hesitation, “Ibuhos ko na lahat ng lakas ko kasi, nandoon ka na.”

Perhaps it’s a measure of humility or a nononsense drive to become the best. Or maybe Navarra—and all the other local cyclists—don’t know how much is truly attainable, just how far they can go in their career yet.

Meanwhile, 29-year-old Galedo, arguably the best cyclist in the country right now (he currently holds the best record and highest score in the local Union Cycliste Internationale leaderboard), wouldn't be where he is today were it not for a series of fortunate events.

Cycling at the tender age of 15 and eventually winning races a couple years without any formal training (save for his usual bike-to-work route), Galedo reached a point when he nearly gave up on his sport due to cycling’s impending flameout at the time.

“Parang nag-give up na rin ako sa bike noon [around 2008] kasi tumatabang na rin ‘yung cycling sa Pilipinas. Nawalan ako ng gana,” he admits. “So nagtrabaho ako ulit, nag-part-time job ako sa isang fastfood joint and then one time may nag-deliver ng gas. Nakita ko ‘yung signboard, eto ‘yung Tour of Luzon revival, may elimination na gaganapin. Na-encourage ako na mag-try out ulit. Kasi ang ginawa nilang elimination ‘yung mag-Top 10, automatic na pasok sa national team. ‘Yun ‘yung naging target ko.” Right then and there, it was almost as if an oasis had an opened up in Galedo’s desert.

“He's obviously one of the strongest and smartest, most experienced riders in the country,” Allison says of Galedo. “He's a fantastic athlete and he's got a lot of experience. He has a

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C O V E R S TO R Y MULTISPORT

very cool head in races and a lot of the young guys learn from him.”

Where Navarra is humble and shy about his potential, Galedo, perhaps due to his years of experience competing at a high level, is more confident. He knows what he wants. “Gusto ko talagang makarating [sa Tour de France],” he admits. “Sa ngayon hindi ko agad [planong] pumunta doon, eto munang mga Olympics, Asian Games—gusto kong makakuha ng mga medals sa mga events na yan.

Unti-unti [muna].”

Shy and quiet off their bikes, the duo transforms right before our very eyes once they are on their saddles.

Suddenly they turn from humans to speed demons. They reveal flashes of brilliance, reinforcing their cases as potential heroes who could bring cycling glory to our shores if and when given the chance.

NO MONEY, NO GLORY SSSo we now know that we’ve got contenders who can hang. Why aren't they in France yet? And why haven’t they been booked tickets anytime in the near future?

What it all comes down to is money. The reason is the same reason competitive cycling is a little difficult for the ordinary Filipino to pursue: It’s an expensive sport. Elitelevel racing bikes are expensive, good coaches are expensive, traveling to all the big races is expensive. These are all things every cyclist—from the enthusiast to the competitive triathlete—knows.

“Importante diyan sponsors, government support, kasi sinasabi nila na ang Pilipino kayang lumaban kahit saan,” says Galedo. “Kulang lang tayo sa sponsors, sa discipline ng mga riders. Kulang tayo sa tao na mag-fo-focus na tulungan ‘yung cycling sa Pilipinas pero nandiyan ang lakas ng Pilipino.

Napapatunayan naman natin na kaya nating silang talunin.”

Lina agrees that there isn’t enough support—from both the government and private sponsors—for cycling, and has

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“” Alberto "Bert" D. Lina has been an ardent supporter of Philippine cycling for many years, successfully reviving a stagnating local scene as Chairman of the Integrated Cycling Federation of the Philippines, or Philcycling. His latest success under Philcycling is this year's iteration of Le Tour de Filipinas, held last month from Bataan to Baguio. He is also the Chairman of the Lina Group of Companies, in which Air21 is included, among others.

GOT P250 MILLION?

MultiSport breaks down the budget for Tour de France

THE ROAD AHEAD Now we’ve established that the local scene needs all the money it can get

Exactly how much would a team—whether it’s a national team or a continental team—need to pony up just to have a competitive showing at the Tour de France? While the quick answer is ‘more than any Philippine team has now,’ we’ve actually gone out and sourced enough data for some projections. If you’re a Filipino looking to send a team to France one day, this is how much cash you need: The minimum feasible operating budget to train a viable team and get them to Le Tour, according to Allison, is around €5 million. Over here, that’s about P250 million. If you have the money, you can go up to €20 million or P1 billion! For our sake, we’ll go with €5 million.

Take that P250 million, and divvy it up like so: 60% (P150 million) for the salaries of the riders 15% (P37.5 million) for your staff, including coaches, sports doctors, nutritionists, a mechanical team, etc.

15% (P37.5 million) for your infrastructure 10% (P25 million )for miscellaneous expenses

10% 15% 60% 15%

What’s the infrastructure, you ask? That’s everything else you need to keep the team working. That theoretical P37.5 million goes to:

25%

FOR PR AND MARKETING

10% FOR A SERVICE COURSE

10%

P3.75 M

FOR TRAVEL

5%

P1.375 M

50%

P9.375 M

to send even one Filipino cyclist to France, the next step toward getting there is to continue establishing and exposing cycling to the country. Not just competitive cycling, but cycling as a whole, as a lifestyle.

“I think we really have to put more focus, commitment, and dedication to people who are lovers of cycling,” says Lina. “I think we haven't done enough. There are still other avenues where we could really promote cycling. [The future] is very robust.

Hindi lang naman cycling ‘yun eh, 'di ‘ba. Nagdidikit ‘yung triathlon, may cycling din [doon].”

Galedo and Navarra agree, but note that while the cyclists themselves may be good enough for the world stage, work still needs to be done. “Sana mag-continue ‘yung [exposure],” says Galedo. “‘Yung discipline kailangan i-improve pa sa mga cyclists dito sa Pilipinas.”

Would that be enough to bring these two cyclists and the Philippines to the biggest race in the world? Hopefully. Maybe one day, it will be easier for a future generation of cyclists to get there on sheer talent and skill alone.

Maybe one day, we won’t have to worry about having enough cash on hand. Maybe one day, cycling will be as big as basketball or boxing.

Maybe one day, we’ll be sending riders every year.

Until then, the best of us will just have to keep riding along.

P3.75 M

some clearer insight on why that is the case. “Very few people, really, would bet on cyclists unless the potential's [there], unless [it's a personal] advocacy,” he explains.

“Siyempre, ‘yung iba, nanghihingi rin ng returns. Negosyo, eh. We need philanthropists to be able to send people to Tour de France.”

It’s also highly likely that, because of the considerable financial commitment cycling requires on an individual level, we’re missing out on some amazing local talent. “We are,” Lina agrees, but understands that it’s a risk they have to take.

“We are 100 million Filipinos; it is [a given] for those people that are in this business. Whether you're in the logistics business, you are in the sports business, development of these sports carries some cost, and then also revenue.”

Meanwhile, Allison says that the dream right now is not to send a full Philippine delegation to the Tour; what they’re working on is to get just one Filipino riding in the race—the first Filipino to ever ride in the Tour de France. “Just so you know, that is not our goal, to make a Filipino Tour de France team,” he says. “We just want to see a Filipino get to that level. We will develop the guy and push to get him a contract.”

P18.25M

PHOTO (BERT LINA) BY PATRICK SEGOVIA |SOURCE: THE COST OF PRO CYCLING-WORLD TOUR TEAM BUDGETS | TOUR DE FRANCE 2014, GLOBAL CYCLING NETWORK

Very few people, really, would bet on cyclists unless the potential's [there], unless [it's a personal] advocacy

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FOR ADDITIONAL EQUIPMENT YOU MIGHT NEED

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11

F E AT U R E MULTISPORT

ALL ROADS LEAD TO CARTIMAR For most long-time cyclists, the go-to place for all their shopping needs has always been—and will likely always be—Cartimar. The biggest and most famous shops have set up camp, burned down, rebuilt, and grown into well-known landmarks in this buzzing location that caters to all kinds of cyclists. This month, we feature three stores along Leveriza Street where people come together to shop, get repairs, hang around, and hob-knob with some pros and top names in Philippine cycling.

ROSS CYCLES

Here, cyclists of different interests and skill levels (newbies, enthusiasts, elite racers, and professional cyclists) gather together to share stories and maybe have the skilled mechanics of Ross, themselves regular cyclists, check up on their gear. This friendly atmosphere is the frontage to a bike shop that was set up in 2001, in the middle of the mountain bike boom. These days, it carries brands like FSA, Mavic, Argon, Cannondale, Kuota, and Ridley. Ross Cycles is also a dealer of Fizik saddles and Lazer helmets, so if you’re looking to check out the latest and greatest from these brands, Ross is the place to go. Or if you just want to hang out and shoot the breeze with a couple of true-blue cyclists, come on over as well.

832-7478

SCORE A CLASSIC RIDE AT ANY OF THE SHOPS IN PHILIPPINE CYCLING'S ORIGINAL MELTING POT, THEN ESCAPE INTO A NOSTALGIC TOUR OF THE LANDSCAPE WITH FELLOW BIKE LOVERS Words by Mon Garcia | Illustration by Maysie Lecciones

PAULINA’S CYCLE CENTER

Established in 1978, this pioneer business was one of the first to cater to the needs of the emerging market of cyclists of all types. Beyond catering to today’s triathletes, classy roadies, and laid-back mountain bikers, Paulina’s still stocks and repairs old bikes that are being used by local traysikab and pedicabs.

Nowadays, it showcases big brands like Felt, Cube, and Scott at its new shop in the family-friendly Blue Bay Walk complex (where it offers a very affordable yet thorough bike cleaning and tune-up service). Its shop in Cartimar, however, remains the accessible, “caters-to-all” cycling hub that people have come to know and love.

831-9320

VELOCITY BIKE SHOP

What started as an idea among a bunch of bike buddies back in 1995 turned into one of the first highly regarded boutique bike shops in Cartimar. With its air-conditioned space, carefully groomed displays, and wide range of upscale gear, VeloCity is Cartimar’s cycling tech central. VeloCity is the authorized dealer of Seven Cycles, one of the most sought-after brands for custom-made, titanium bicycles. For triathletes, the shop carries the range of Rolf aerodynamic wheels and the different models of Adamo triathlonspecific saddles. VeloCity is also the official dealer of Giro and Bell helmets. My personal mechanic works at VeloCity; if you’re there, look for Hermie. He has built and maintained some of the finest pieces of cycling machinery around.

832-2352 | (0915) 520-4038

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PHOTO COURTESY OF MICHELLE MOJARES-FABIE AND ANGELA MOJARES-KATIGBAK

MULTISPORT T R A I L S

BORN TO BIKE

COMING FROM A FAMILY OF CYCLISTS, TOMAS FABIE IS A NATURAL ON TWO WHEELS Interview by Romeo Moran

How did you get started?

I used to have a BMX and I would just ride around our backyard. Then my Tatay got me a mountain bike and brought me to a popular route here in Lipa called Balete, and that’s where it all started.

We've heard that your family has a pretty extensive background in cycling, can you tell us more about that?

My family is into cycling, and I grew up seeing bikes all over our house. My Nanay used to bike.

My Tatay, my Tito Eric, and Tita Ichu are also avid cyclists. The first date of my Tatay and Nanay, they went biking to Balete. Even my younger brother and sister started to bike two years ago—they are now four- and five-years-old, respectively.

Did that play a major part in your interest?

Yes it did. I used to be a member of the school basketball team and I also used to fence, but when I got into cycling, I concentrated on it. It’s really the sport I love. It was cycling that I really excelled in.

Do you feel any sort of pressure in general to do long-distance cycling in the first place? Or did you just want to do what they were doing?

Yes, sometimes I feel pressure especially during training; I always want to finish the training right.

When my coach tells me to do this program I give my best and follow. It was my choice to do longdistance cycling, and from time to time my family asks me if I'm tired of cycling. I always have one answer: no. This is my passion.

How is cycling a passion for you?

I was diagnosed with anxiety disorder last year.

I was taking medicines to address this. But now I discovered that when I go cycling I get to overcome my anxiety attacks. When I feel stressed, I go biking or I do the rollers if I can’t go outdoors. Apart from the thrill cycling gives me, it also helps me relax and clear my mind. In fact, I would still go out for a ride even if I have exams because it lessens the pressure and anxiety I feel after studying.

You say you've been cycling for only 14 months.

What are your achievements so far?

I’ve been cycling for 14 months now but I have only joined one national race—Batang Pinoy Cycling— and a few local races. I bagged my first podium in Batang Pinoy: first place in the men’s criterium and third place in the men’s road race.

There’s a really interesting story about the Batang Pinoy, which happened in Bacolod.

The week before, I was training in Mindoro.

Unfortunately, we got stranded due to the typhoon.

The first available ride home was the night before Batang Pinoy, at 11 p.m. From Mindoro, I had to ride the boat to Batangas pier, drive to Lipa City to get my things, and rush to the airport for our flight to Bacolod, which was at 4:30 a.m. Fortunately, we arrived just in time for the flight. Once in Bacolod, a Batang Pinoy bus service picked us up. They told me to place one of my bikes on top of the bus so that there will be space inside. Once we arrived at the hotel though, my bike wasn’t there.

“” From time to time my family asks me if I'm tired of cycling.

I always have one answer: no.

We backtracked to the airport and searched all the roads but we still couldn’t find it. I had no choice but to borrow a bike from a friend who wasn’t on the same criterium as me. The bike was too small for me and the saddle height couldn’t be adjusted so it was too low for me but I had no choice. I used it to race in the ITT and the men’s road criterium while running on low sleep. Thankfully, I still won the men’s criterium.

My bike was returned the next day. Apparently, it was found the day before but there was no way of contacting me. Unfortunately, we missed our flight home, but it was all well and good because I still got to join another race that day, where I placed third.

What's the biggest race or achievement do you want to join or have someday?

Right now, I am aiming to represent our country in the Youth Olympics. I will be competing abroad for UCI points to qualify for it. I also dream of being the first ever Filipino racer in the Tour de France and other big international professional races.

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13

E V E N T S MULTISPORT NATIONAL AGE GROUP TRIATHLON 2015—SUBIC LEG The road to the 2016 Philippine National Games began in earnest at the 2015 National Age Group Triathlon.

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This year’s series, which kicked off with its Luzon leg on January 25 in Subic, saw over 200 triathletes from various age groups competing. They had all come to the shores of Dungaree Beach to not only dominate their age group, but to also be one of the 30 competitors going to the National Games next year. The top 15 men and women with the best overall times in the standard race are automatically the qualifiers from Luzon.

The pack going to the Games was led by Mervin Santiago with a time of 2:17:35, followed by Jethro Karl Ramos and Jeremiah Isip with times of 2:23:40

and 2:25:08. Joanne Plumbley led the ladies with a time of 2:42:12, with Mayi Maligaya and Noelle de Guzman coming in at second and third respectively with times of 2:51:07 and 2:51:54.

The race, which wound all around the Subic area, comprised of a standard distance of a 1.5K swim, 40K bike, and a 10K run. Sprinters did a 750m swim, 20K bike, and a 5K run, while the minisprint category was 500m, 16K bike, and a 2.5K run.

The Visayas leg will be held in Sipalay City, Negros Occidental on March 21, while the Mindanao leg will be at Cagayan de Oro on April 12. Those who perform outstandingly at the National Games will be invited to join the national triathlon team.

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01 Standard-distance athletes swam two loops for a total of 1.5K around Dungaree Beach.

02 It was racecar driver Marlon Stockinger's first-ever triathlon, and he finished strong at third!

03 National team member Kim Mangrobang, racing as a guest, looking good on the bike.

04 The Legend, Frank Lacson himself ascending from the water and heading for the transition.

Lacson placed fifth overall among the men and is going to the 2016 National Games.

05 Many participants finished the race, but only 30 from Luzon get to go to the Games.

MULTISPORT E V E N T S CONDURA SKYWAY MARATHON 2015

01

After a year of sitting on the sidelines, the Condura Skyway Marathon made its triumpant comeback to the adulation of more than 15,000 runners both local and foreign.

The Condura Skyway Marathon's seventh iteration, Run for a Hero 2015, attracted a remarkable mix of participants to Filinvest Alabang on February 1--from fun, recreational runners to the more serious marathonners who aimed to level up in their running, whether it was by competing in a whole different playing field they were used to, or by achieving new PRs. The marathon is always staged for a good cause, and this year’s edition was no different. After giving away all the money required for the production of last year's event for the benefit of Typhoon Yolanda victims, Condura and Skyway devote this year's event to the Philippines' fallen soldiers. The event raised a total of P1 million for its beneficiary, the HERO Foundation - a non-profit organization that helps children of Filipino soldiers, who were either injured or killed in action, go to school, as well as to the families of the country’s newest heroes, the 44 brave men of the Philippine National Police’s Special Action Force.

Simple side activities were carried out to honour and give respect to the 44 fallen elite members of the PNPSAF as well: a few moments of silence was observed prior to the start of the race as 15,000 runners offered prayers for our country’s heroes, and a set of 44 white balloons were released for each category’s gun start beginning at 12MN for the 42K. Most touching of all was the presence of 44 men of the PNP lined up after the startline, before the Skyway off ramp part of the race route, all of them standing in attention while holding a photo of each of the 44 brave men of the SAF, which runners were asked to salute as they passed.

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With the turnout for this year's race, the Condura Skyway Marathon has officially broken two records: the biggest full marathon with a recordsetting 5,500 42K runners, and the biggest half-marathon with 5,000 21K runners.

The Condura Skyway Marathon: Run for a Hero 2015 is presented

by Condura and Skyway, Asics, Filinvest City, Gatorade, Summit.

Other partners include L-Timestudio, Crimson Hotel, Bellevue Hotel, Be Hotel, 360 Fitness, Urban Ashram Yoga, and Contel.

01 The AFP, PNP-SAF, and the HERO Foundation were grateful for the outpouring of support they experienced thanks to the participants of the race.

02 The Alabang off-ramp of the Skyway was packed to the brim with marathonners!

03 One of our soldiers proudly holding up the 21K finisher's medals, which they awarded to participants.

04 The runners were all finished by mid-morning, free to enjoy a concert by 6cyclemind.

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B Y T H E N U M B E R S MULTISPORT

JOEY DELOS REYES, 26 STANDARD INSURANCE TEAM Words by Eric Nicole Salta | Photo by Dix Perez

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Read the full interview on multisport.ph

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DUATHLON EVENTS

FINAL LEGS OF PHILIPPINE DUATHLON

PERSONAL BEST

PERSONAL BEST

INDIVIDUAL TIME TRIAL RECORD

11:20

126 208

CYCLING AND RUNNING

18

40km

08.58 33.25 55.42

CYCLING EVENTS

Tour of Matabungkay 2014 BGC Cycle Ride 2014 Tour De Tayabas 2014 Tour of Subic 2014 NUVALI Dirt Weekend 2013

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2014

4 years

2013

12 years

SIX

325 k m

Western Mindanao State University then naging kilala ako doon,” shares Delos Reyes, who eventually managed to finish a diploma in Sports Coaching and a degree in Physical Education.

“Nag-compete din ako sa Tour de Fabian sa Zamboanga from 2007 to 2012, five years straight akong champion sa mountain biking.” His immense physical abilities coupled with his 12-year cycling experience prompted his coaches to cajole him into trying out duathlon. And good thing he did as Delos Reyes has been notching podium finish after podium finish, which amusingly led to him being banned from his age group. He has since been competing as an elite last year.

Despite his numerous wins, Delos Reyes acknowledges a loss to now-teammate Robeno Javier as his proudest achievement to date.

“Muntik ko na siyang matalo sa SCTEX Duathlon last year,” he says about the unbeatable Javier. “Una na sana ako kaso nag-cramps ako sa last kilometer.” Looking at his reaction, though, it appears that he's pretty satisfied with the outcome.

10km

he future of Philippine triathlon is here. And he hasn’t even taken up the sport yet. “Maraming nagsasabi sa akin na kung ikukumpara ko ‘yung run and bike times ko sa mga triathletes, mas mabilis pa,” says a soft-spoken Joey Delos Reyes. All muscle and heart, this Basilan native with an Air Force background possesses a raw talent so undeniable, a local triathlon coach actually offered to train him overseas. His response? Flashing a cheeky smile, “I backed out.”

Not because he doesn’t have the credentials or doesn’t believe in his potential; the moment just isn’t right for him yet. A duathlete for the Standard Insurance Team, Delos Reyes is content to conquering national duathlons, fierce rivals, and, not surprisingly, himself before he can even consider taking up triathlon.

That’s how it’s always been for the mild-mannered Delos Reyes whose biking prowess was honed in the rocky, rugged terrain of Mindanao.

“Nag-start ako mag-bike second year high school [using a borrowed bike] pero wala sa isip ko maging duathlete. Kinuha akong scholar sa

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THE COUNTRY’S FIRST FREE TRIATHLON MAGAZINE IS NOW ONLINE! MultiSport.ph is the only place to be online for triathlon news, events, articles, training guides, contests, and a growing community that’s absolutely passionate about triathlon.

Don’t be left behind. Race on over to MultiSport.ph now!

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