The Integrated Cycling Federation of the Philippines (PhilCycling) wants to have the Tagaytay CT Velodrome to be used following the success of the Asian Track Cycling Championships.
PhilCycling president Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino said cycling clubs are welcome to rent the venue for training.
Tolentino, who is also the president of the Philippine Olympic Committee, said the hosting of the Asian Track Championships is a huge success from start to finish.
“It’s not just that you go in and train anytime. There should be a system — bike clubs, team bike clubs. It’s not like anyone can just come in and say they want to train. Let’s put a system in place,” Tolentino said.
“So far, so good and in terms of hosting, we’re on cloud nine.”
“Thank you to everyone who supported us. This is world-class and to host an international event right away makes it even more special.”
China emerged as the top squad in the tournament with 17 golds, nine silvers and one bronze medal.
A distant second was Japan with a 5-7-9 medal tally followed by South Korea in third place with 5-7-6 haul.
While the Philippines wasn’t able to gather a lot of medals, it did show potential in track cycling.
ASEAN Para Games multi-medalist Patrick Gerard Lee clinched a bronze medal in the men’s C5 scratch race over the weekend.
Zedrick Ivan Honorica, a former Foodpanda delivery boy, reset the 20-year-old national record in the men’s elite sprint by clocking in 10.8 seconds.
Asian Cycling Confederation president Dato’ Amarjit Singh Gill lauded the Philippines not only for a successful hosting of the tournament but also the potential the cyclists possess in track events.
“The Philippines is playing a major role in the development of track cycling in Asia. What I see is a nation stepping up — investing in world-class facilities, including a 250-meter indoor, homologated velodrome,” said Gill, also a vice president of the International Cycling Union.
“This clearly places the Philippines among the emerging forces in cycling in Asia.”