HELP is underway for a multi-titled cyclist as the “Race For Nilo Barbelose” is set to fire off on Dec. 6 in Toledo City, Cebu.
The race aims to gather funds for the Nilo Barbelose, who is under medication after figuring in a road accident last year.
In his prime, Barbelose gave numerous honors to his hometown Toledo City with his exploits in cycling that saw him winning several national tournaments.
Barbelose is recovering from the accident and could already ride a bike. He still, however, needs more strengthening therapy session and medications to fully recover.
“He is very strong that he survived. He will be there on the race to help me and the team. Our main goal is to give Nilo hope,” said American Keith Defiebre, a veteran cyclist who is organizing the event.
Defiebre graced the event’s launching yesterday at Lantaw in South Road Properties (SRP) along with was race director Joe Deresas.
Defiebre, who is from Monterey, California, USA, said holding the event is one way of honoring a fellow cyclist.
“I’ve decided to contact my friends in the US to raise funds for him but he gave me an idea to stage a race to give also the local racers a chance to compete. That’s why I decided to organize this fund-raising race with big amounts of cash prizes for the winners,” said Defiebre.
Defiebre said he was able to raise P200,000 to fund the race.
Defiebre’s girlfriend is from Toledo. He frequently visits Cebu to train with Barbelose.
The race will be a criterium race with a technical course on a paved road.
Each lap will cover 1.5-kilometers. There will be nine categories namely; juniors 18-under mountain bike and road bike, golden masters men’s 45 above road and mountain bike, men’s 19-44 mountain bike and road bike, women’s 18-19 road bike, open road bike and open mountain bike categories.
Around P100,000 worth of cash prizes will be given to top five finishers in each categories.
Registration fee is pegged at P200 inclusive of post-race refreshments. Registration will be held on race day.
The first 125 registrants will get a race shirt, according to Defiebre, who is planning to make the race an annual event in Toledo.