Tolentino tempers expectations on local riders

TAGAYTAY CITY — Despite serving as host, the Integrated Cycling Federation of the Philippines (PhilCycling) isn’t putting any pressure on the national team in the Asian Cycling Confederation (ACC) Track and Para Track Championships here.

PhilCycling president Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino said that they are focused on helping cyclists learn and gain exposure against the best riders in this prestigious continental event that will run until 31 March.

A total of 16 countries are vying for the top spots in one of the biggest cycling competitions in Asia that will be participated by close to 600 cyclists from 16 countries.

“I don’t expect medals here for the Philippines or a podium finish, because we are back to zero. We just started again — we’re celebrating that we’re starting again,” said Tolentino, also the president of the Philippine Olympic Committee, during the press briefing at the Tagaytay CT Velodrome here on Wednesday.

“With powerhouse countries like Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, China and Japan around, we will learn step by step.”

The last time the Filipinos hosted a continental cycling event was during the Asian Track Cycling Championships in 1995 at the Amoranto Velodrome in Quezon City.

More than three decades later, the country is hosting again, this time at a brand-new velodrome that adheres to the standards set by the International Cycling Union.

Asian Cycling Confederation president Dato Amarjit Singh Gill of Malaysia commended the Filipinos for taking a step forward in cycling.

“Today marks a significant milestone. This championship is not just a competition — it is a celebration of extraordinary talent, a gathering of world-class athletes, and a historic moment as one of the premier cycling events ever held in the Philippines,” Singh Gill said.

“This event represents more than sport. It symbolizes vision, unity, and a shared commitment to the future of cycling. Bringing such a project to life requires courage, dedication and collaboration, and President Tolentino and his team deserve the highest recognition.”

Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) chairman Patrick “Pato” Gregorio vows to continue to support PhilCycling in hosting future events with the Tagaytay CT Velodrome as the venue.

“Knowing that the last event was held at Amoranto back in 1995 — 31 years ago — means that President Tolentino and I were still in our early days then. In the coming years, we hope to be back. I don’t know if we will personally return, but if you are here, then we will be here with you — I truly believe that,” Gregorio said during the event graced by PSC commissioners Ed Hayco and Walter Torres, Philippine Paralympic Committee president Mike Barredo, Tagaytay City Mayor Brent Tolentino and Vice Mayor Agnes Tolentino.

“As you can see, this is a world-class venue, a reflection of outstanding projects. And we will continue to work closely with our POC president — that is our promise.”

The Japanese are favored to dominate after winning 16 gold medals in the previous edition in Malaysia. On the other hand, the Malaysians and Koreans are also expected to make their presence felt after winning two golds and one gold medal, respectively.