ABOUT 200 riders from around the country will strut their wares in the Tour Ni Frank, also known as the Cebu Recycle Series, which unfolds today and tomorrow in different areas in Cebu province.
The race, organized by Filipino-American cyclist Frank Gatdula, will have three stages.
Stage 1 is an eight-kilometer climbing race at 8:30 a.m. today, starting at JY Square Mall, Barangay Lahug to TOPS Lookout in Barangay Busay, Cebu City. The second stage set at 4 p.m. us a three-lap, 30 minute criterium race in Lantaw Native Restaurant at the South Road Properties.
Stage 3 will kick off at 8 a.m. tomorrow starting and ending at the Danao City Plaza with a turnaround in Barangay Lugo, Borbon town in northern Cebu.
“The actual turnaround is about 10km north of Lugo. It was changed to a shorter distance due to unfavorable weather forecast this Sunday. But still, (the) race will go on rain or shine,” said Gatdula, explaining why the original plan to have the turnaround in Bogo City was changed.
Up for grabs are special awards for Most Aggressive Rider, Oldest Rider and Youngest Rider.
Meanwhile, 17-year-old Ica Maximo of YKKBikes-Forza is unlikely to defend her Women Open title due to conflict with her academic obligations at Sacred Heart School–Hijas de Jesus.
“The race this year is very tough. It has three stages in two days. You need to prepare for this. School always comes first. There will be some other time,” shared Maximo.
The two-day competition will have the Men’s 39 Under, 40-Above, 50-Above and Women’s Open categories.