THE Asian Cycling Confederation Track and Para Track Championships roared to life on Wednesday at the Tagaytay CT Velodrome, drawing nearly 600 cyclists from 16 countries in a vibrant showcase of Asia’s best track athletes vying for continental supremacy.
While the event marks a milestone for Philippine cycling, Abraham Tolentino tempered expectations, emphasizing that the national team is still in its early stages of development.
“I don’t expect any medal or podium finish here for our track cycling team,” said Tolentino, who also heads PhilCycling. “We’re starting from scratch … we’re still calibrating and adjusting.”
“So we will learn, little by little, and we will soon learn it,” he added.
For Patrick Gregorio, the successful staging of the championships is already a major victory, calling it a long-awaited breakthrough for both the country and Tolentino.
“It’s a dream come true for President Tolentino, and for the country,” Gregorio said during the lively and colorful opening ceremony held at the velodrome’s infield.
The state-of-the-art venue now stands as a symbol of Philippine cycling’s future, replacing the historic Amoranto Velodrome in Quezon City. Built to meet UCI standards, the Tagaytay facility is envisioned to become a cornerstone of the nation’s rise as a regional sporting hub.
Adding prestige to the occasion were Amarjit Singh Gill, Tagaytay Mayor Brent Tolentino, Philippine Paralympic Committee president Mike Barreto, Uzbekistan Cycling Federation secretary-general Khurshid Atakulov Bakhodirjanovich, and Saudi Cycling Federation president Abdulaziz Al-Shahrani.
They were joined by Philippine Sports Commission commissioners Walter Torres and Eduardo Hayco, Tagaytay Vice Mayor Agnes Tolentino, and former Cavite governor Athena Tolentino.
“We finally hosted this event after 31 long years. And it is really a dream come true for Philippines sports,” Tolentino said. “We are thankful to ACC and UCI for helping us.”
