Buhain throws support to PH Army-Bicycology cycling team
FROM the battlefields to the roads, cycling members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) bring guts in search of glory and in honor of their fellow brothers in arms in the 2018 LBC Ronda Pilipinas.
Going to “war” as the Philippine Army Bicycology team are three-time Southeast Asian Games champion Sgt. Alfie Catalan, Tour veteran Pfc. Cris Joven, Sgt. Merculio Ramos, Jr., Pfc. Marvin Tapic, Sgt. Alvin Benosa, Sgt. Reynaldo Navarro, Cpl. Lord Anthony Del Rosario and Pfc. Kenneth Solis.
“Our countrymen supported them while trying to defend our democracy, and we wholeheartedly back them up now as they display anew the Filipino soldiers’ resilience and bravery in any kind of challenges,” said SEA Games champion swimmer and cycling enthusiast Eric Buhain.
Buhain, who himself once fought for the rights of the Filipino athletes and former chairman of the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC), and partner John Garcia of Bicycology Shop are making sure that the Philippine Army Bicycology team are “armed to the teeth” when it battles with the country’s best cyclists in the annual bikathon.
“We want our countrymen see the other side of our heroes, and let’s support them as they soldier on in one of the toughest sporting events we have. This early, I, my partner John Garcia and the Bicycology Shop salute Sgt. Alfie Catalan, Tour veteran Pfc. Cris Joven, Sgt. Merculio Ramos, Jr., Pfc. Marvin Tapic, Sgt. Alvin Benosa, Sgt. Reynaldo Navarro, Cpl. Lord Anthony Del Rosario and Pfc. Kenneth Solis,” added Buhain.
Captained by Joven, the Philippine Army Bicycology team has already dedicated its campaign this year to the whole Philippine Army, especially to their brothers who fought in Marawi City.
“Hindi lang ito laban namin. Laban ito ng buong Philippine Army. Marami po kaming kasamahan na nagbuwis ng buhay para sa demokrasya, kaya ang pagsali naming ngayong taon ay iaalay namin sa kanila. Para sa mga kasama naming itong laban na to,” said Joven, who finished third overall in individual class in last year’s Ronda.
‘Malaking bagay sa ating tropa sa AFP na maialay sa kanila ang panalo ng team. It is a big boost to their morale. Kung mananalo sila, parang nanalo na rin ang buong Army.
