CERVANTES, Ilocos Sur — Unlike 80 years ago in 1945 when the Philippines and the American forces pushed the Japanese imperial forces to surrender, the “Battle of Bessang Pass” on Saturday featured the cyclists conquering the Mount Bessang at the MPTC Tour of Luzon Stage 10.
French cyclist Antoine Huby of 7ELEVEN Roadbike Philippines topped the most challenging leg of the 14-stage race yet, crossing the finish line in an extremely-difficult climb featuring a scenic yet steep route especially in the final 40 kilometers of the 131.2km distance race.
With fans beating the barricades and cheering him on, Huby pedaled with all his might and raised his hands after crossing the finish line in 3:32:01.
Huby is 50 seconds ahead of stage runner-up Nikita Sulchenko who clocked 3:32:50 in the race that had the Candon City Arena as its neutral start.
