CERVANTES, Ilocos Sur — Unlike 80 years ago in 1945 when 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 7-Eleven 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 (km) of the 131.2 km 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.
The 25-year-old Huby said that winning Stage 9 meant a lot to him, having no contract for a period of time but getting a break this time as the 7-Eleven import.
“It was really important for me and also for proof to the team that I’m strong on the climb. And also I have no contract for a really long time. And it was really hard in my mind,” said Huby.
Huby said he still belongs.
“i just would say thank you to the team for bringing me. And also thank you for my family, for all the people who was in confidence of me. And they just say, yeah, you have the level again.
“And now I just want to show to everybody my place in pro cycling. And I’m really happy to show today. I’m there again and I win the first stage at the top.”
Huby is 49 seconds ahead of stage runner-up Nikita Sulchenko of the LCW UAE Cycle who clocked 3:32:50 in the race that had the Candon City Arena as its neutral start.
Missing the podium in the previous stage after missing a turn, Ronnilan Quita cracked the podium this time being 2:26 behind the leader.
Sulchenko protected the yellow jersey with a total of 29:39:44, keeping the overall lead in the individual general class with four stages left.
Sulchenko’s Syrian teammate Yousef Ibrahiem Alrefai is 3:44 behind, while Huby entered the top 3 from seven being 3:56 behind the leader.
Meanwhile, 7-Eleven overtook Go for Gold for the top spot in the team general classification, where the latter held the lead in the last seven stages.
After Stage 9, 7-Eleven clocked a total of 117:37:57 while Go for Gold is 5:28 behind.
LCW UAE Cycle completed the top three, being 13:01 behind the leader.
