By CYRUS M. GARDE
BACOLOD City — The famous cycling competition Ronda Pilipinas will hit Negros Island in February next year to cover four stages reaching more than 669 kilometers.
Commencing in Butuan City on Feb. 8, the competition will pass through Cagayan de Oro City, Bukidnon, Iligan City, and Tubod in Lanao Del Norte, and will end in Dipolog City on Feb. 11 to complete the Mindanao stages.
The participating cycling teams will transit to Dumaguete City on Feb. 12.
In Negros, Stage 1 will start on Feb. 15 in Dumaguete toward Sipalay City via Bayawan City in Negros Oriental, a distance of 172.70 kilometers, and Stage 2, Feb. 16, from Sipalay City to Bacolod City, 163 kilometers.
Stage 3 will be from Bacolod, passing through La Carlota City, Canlaon City in Negros Oriental, to San Carlos City in Negros Occidental, and back, 213.70 kilometers, while Stage 4 is from Bacolod to Cadiz City and back to Bacolod, 120 kilometers.
Moe Chulani, executive project director for LBC Sports Development, recently met with provincial sports coordinator Angel “Nonong” Verdeflor to finalize Negros’ hosting of the cycling event.
Winners will be awarded in front of the provincial capitol building. Gov. Alfredo Marañon Jr. will hand the awards. Some P8 million is at stake in the cycling competition./PN
