CLARK FIELD, Pampanga — Under the burning late-morning Monday sun, following the conclusion of Stage 5 of the Tour of Luzon near Mimosa Golf and Country Club, Korean rider Joo Daeyoung calmly waited to be called by the emcee for the post-lap awarding rites.
The winner of the initial stage in Paoay, Ilocos Norte last week, Joo continues to lead the race despite being unable to duplicate his Stage 1 conquest.
The 28-year-old Joo, of course clad in the symbolic yellow jersey, could not find the right words to express what he feels when asked about the remaining three stages.
“Just do good. Do good (in the remaining laps),” Joo of Gapyeong Cycling Team told DAILY TRIBUNE while relaxing under one of the tents that were put up by the organizers of the event, a revival of the epic races that stretch back to the Manila to Vigan classic pedalfest in 1955.
Stage 6 will kick off here going to Lingayen in Pangasinan, 163.76 kilometers away on Tuesday while Stage 7 will be a team trial in Lingayen to the neighboring fishing town of Labrador on Wednesday.
The finale is the much-awaited climb to Baguio City from Lingayen on Thursday where the King of the Mountain will be known.
Joo, obviously not fluent in English, knew what he was being asked.
“Stage 6, 7 (and) 8, go strong,” he said, his right hand touching the yellow jersey he was wearing.
“(I want to be the) champion,” he said with a smile as Stage 5 winner Joseph Javiniar sat beside him.
Moments later, Joo was called onto the stage where his hot, blazing yellow jersey stood out from the rest.