Romero quits as PhilCycling president

Businessman Mikee Romero, president of one of the groups disputing the cycling leadership, stepped down from his post a few weeks after the Filipino riders were barred from competing in the 25th Southeast Asian Games in Laos. Romero cited the expansion of his business interests as his reason for quitting as president of the Integrated Cycling Federation of the Philippines (PhilCycling) faction recognized by the Philippine Olympic Committee. “With my load work now, it is difficult for me to handle my responsibilities as PhilCycling president with the same passion and energy as before," Romero said in his resignation letter to POC president Jose “Peping" Cojuangco, Jr. that was personally delivered by his assistant Eric Arejola.

Romero, who is contesting the PhilCycling presidency with the International Cycling Union-recognized group headed by Tagaytay City Mayor Bambol Tolentino, heads the port company Harbour Centre. He also holds control of the Manila North Harbour Port Inc. (MNHPI) and Paficica Inc. and co-owns the Philippine Patriots team which represents the Philippines in the ongoing ASEAN Basketball League (ABL). “They (cyclists) are close to my heart but it’s unfair to them if I could not give them enough time knowing how they have trained and fought for flag and country," Romero explained. Romero’s resignation took effect last Friday, coming on the heels of the RP team’s futile bid to race in the Laos SEAG. The Philippines sent 13 riders to Laos but all except Marites Bitbit were not allowed to compete, having lacked the necessary license issued by the UCI-recognized group, in this case Tolentino’s. Bitbit had the license from both the Romero and Tolentino’s camps, but she was eventually pulled out of the competitions by the Philippine Olympic Committee. Romero actually took a leave of absence from his post last September due to his hectic business schedule but still provided the riders with almost P5-million in financial assistance covering the series of tryouts to select the RP team, their training and trip to Laos. “Too bad, we could have won at least four golds (in the SEA Games)," said Romero. But despite his resignation, Romero promised to remain a staunch supporter of cycling. “I will still help them in my own way. I have grown fond of our national cyclists. They deserve help, everybody must help them." Ricky Cruz, the group's executive vice president, is likely to succeed Romero. – GMANews.TV