Victoria Sports cycling team.
Victoria Sports cycling team to represent country
VICTORIA Sports Cycling Team, the country’s newest professional cycling team, is ready to make its presence felt in major international cycling tournaments in Asia and countries around the world.
To be bannered by two-time Portuguese national road champion José Mendes and former World Tour riderAndré Cardoso, VSCT hopes to open a new chapter in Philippine cycling as it aims “to be the first Philippine team to regularly and actively to represent the country in major international cycling tournaments in Asia and countries around the world.”
Joining the 11-member VSCT are Filipino cyclists Pako Ochoa, Jhay Oconer, Kelvin Mendoza, Luis Krog, Ean Cajucom, Daniel Cariño, Jerry Aquino, .Marcio Barbosa, and Pedro Paulinho.
“I think it was very strong team, and in my opinion, they are very good riders they are the future of cycling in Philippines” said VCST Sports Director Micael Isidro during the team presentation at the Victoria Sports Club Lounge in Quezon City last Saturday.
The other officers of the VSCT are Atty. Franco Lacandalo (Team Representative), Jobert Catina (Rider Care and Mechanic), and former Filipino pro cyclist Rayzon Galdonez ( Assistant Sports Director).
Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) president Rep. Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino lauded the formation of the VSCT.
“Hopefully, our dream na magkaroon ng Filipino team na makalaro sa mga major tournaments in Germany, Sweden and of course, the Grand Tour matuloy,”said Tolentino, who was also present during the formal team launch.
“With your team, maybe this is the time na marating natin at makapasok sa Major Grand Tournament of UCI. Congratulations to Victoria Sports for this new team,” added Tolentino, who is also the head of PhilCycling, the national cycling association.
Aside from competing in UCI International races, VSCT wants to contribute “to the meteoric rise of the popularity of cycling in the Philippines.”
“We are extremely grateful to all the companies that share our vision and also believe that we can go beyond making cycling more popular– that we can raise the level of cycling and make it a part of our culture, as it is in other parts of theworld where the needs and rights of bikers are embraced and respected,” stressed Ochoa.
Owned by New San Jose Builders, Inc., VSCT also has the support of San Miguel Corporation, Banco De Oro, SM, Grab Philippines, and Mr. Kevin Wong.
VSCT is also backed by Gruppo Innovare Corporation-Specialized Philippines, Neo Zigma Cycle Corporation-Shimano and PRO, Cofides Competição, Cebu Pacific, Rudy Project, Manuel L. Quezon University, Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar, VS Hotel, and Schroeder’s Deli.
