Bike race for the new normal set to unfold next month

Cebuano bike enthusiasts are encouraged to display their skills in the Cross Cebu 600 which claims as a unique biking experience set for next month.   | INQUIRER FILE/GRIG C. MONTEGRANDE

CEBU CITY, Philippines — A grueling cycling competition designed for the new normal is expected to test the mettle of Cebuano cyclists next month.

The “Cross Cebu 600” is organized by a newly-formed cycling group, the Cross 600 PH. There are seven categories featured in the race including the pro (600-kilometers), elite (400k), advance (200k), beginner (100k), women’s (100k), mountain bike (100k), and fun ride (30k).

What makes this race unique from a typical cycling event is that the organizers make sure that they will follow health and safety protocols for the safety of the participants.

With that in mind, there will be no mass start, unlike a typical cycling race. Also, each distance has separate finish lines and have separate gun starts to avoid mass gatherings.

The starting area will be at Mandani Bay in Mandaue City.

The race will run from September 24 to 26, 2021, and will cover the entire Cebu island.

“CrossCebu 600 is an individual bicycle stage racing event which rounds the island of Cebu. What makes it different from other cycling event competitions are the stages which are categorized not by the different cyclists’ skill levels but by the kilometers a cyclist can endure. This is open for all enthusiasts, athletes or not,” said Jingle Prahinog Mislos, one of the organizers.

A whopping P550,000 in cash prizes awaits the top three finishers in each category. In addition, cash prizes will also be given to the best sprinter and the king of the mountain top three finishers.

Cross 600 PH, the organizer of the race, is composed of passionate cyclists. The group was formed last year.

Also, the organizers encourage the participants to get vaccinated to enjoy discounts from the registration fee.

In addition, they make sure to add a face mask and a bottle of sanitizer or alcohol in the race kit for each registered cyclist to ensure they follow the health and safety protocols during the event.

There will be regular temperature checks at the start and finish line. Organizers also tapped the Sugbo Skooteros, a group of doctors, nurses, and medical frontliners who will serve as the race’s medical team and swing marshalls.

Mislos and her team hired no less than veteran cycling and running event race director Joel Baring of the Sports and Fitness Enthusiasts (SAFE) to man the race’s technicalities.

“Everything’s already planned and we’re slowly putting everything together. We already have the manpower to supervise the route and the finish lines. Once our quarantine status will be back to a safer level, then we can fully prepare for race day,” said Baring.

Mislos said that non-contact sports are still allowed in the Cebu Province for those concerned about the quarantine status. However, they ensure the participants that their main priority is their health and safety.

Thus, they are willing to reschedule the race if ever the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases advises them to do so.

“Although MECQ status of the Cebu Province still allows non-contact sports such as cycling, the safety of our participants come first. So if the IATF will advise us to move the date, we will subserviently do so,” said Mislos.

For more information about the race route and other details, check out Cross Cebu 600’s Facebook page.    /rcg