Tolentino to penalize RP cyclists who will defy UCI order

National cyclists who will defy the International Cycling Union’s (Union Cycliste Internationale, UCI), order in connection to their participation in the Laos Southeast Asian Games might face sanctions in their bid to compete in races in the Philippines UCI-recognized PhilCycling president Abraham “Bambol" Tolentino, in a radio interview, said that he is set to ban cyclists from local events next year should they insist on seeing action in the SEA Games despite a new directive from cycling’s world governing body. UCI president Pat McQuaid had turned down the 11-nation SEAG Federation’s appeal of allowing Philippine riders to compete insisting that only UCI-licensed cyclists, issued by Tolentino, can be recognized in the regional games. The biennial games are being organized by the SEAG Federation but the sports disciplines being played, including cycling, are sanctioned by their international federation. “We are governed by our international federations and cyclist who will not follow directives from the UCI will be sanctioned. Kung hindi, kami naman ang mananagot sa kanila," said Tolentino. Tolentino and Mikee Romero are disputing the PhilCycling leadership with the latter, also amateur basketball’s godfather, recognized by the Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) as the NSA’s head. “Labas na ako kung i-defy nila ang UCI ruling dahil hindi ko na sakop iyon at mas mataas na level na iyan. Kung may sanction ang UCI sa kanila ay hindi ko rin masasabi. Pero sa PhilCycling, hindi na namin mabibigyan ng lisensya ang mga tatakbo sa SEAG at hindi na sila makakasali sa mga local races next year," added Tolentino, who is also the Tagaytay City Mayor. A total of 13 riders including two female cyclists compose the national team with 2007 Thailand SEA Games gold medalists Alfie Catalan, Joey Barba and Maritess Bitbit leading the charge. The fourth gold medalist for cycling in 2007 was Victor Espiritu who opted not to join this year’s team. Other members are Irish Valenzuela, Jan Paul Morales, Eusebio Quiñones, Frederick Feliciano, March Aleonar, Alvin Benosa, Scott Remis, Julius Bonzo, Ronald Gorantes and Anna Marissa Remigio. Tolentino had earlier formed his own team but decided not to push through with their SEA Games stint since they won’t get any recognition from the POC. Bitbit was part of Tolentino’s team and is the lone RP cyclist to be allowed to see action since she holds a UCI licensee issued by the Tagaytay City Mayor. “I respect the POC that is why I didn’t insist that we bring a team to Laos. This problem should not have happened if egos and pride were set aside," added Tolentino. Tolentino said he is willing to issue UCI licenses to the SEAG team if only the POC had asked him to do so. “Ako’y bukas sa kahit sino pero ang problema ay sarado na ang pinto nila sa amin. Kung lumapit lamang sila at sinabing bigyan ko ng lisensya ang mga siklistang umalis, bakit hindi ko gagawin para sa bansa ito. Ang problema ayaw nilang kilalanin na kami ang may basbas ng UCI," added Tolentino. – GMANews.TV