ZAMBALES– The country’s elite and promising cyclists will join the second edition of the Lumba Tamo Zambales 2024 on May 7, as one of the highlights of the province’s world-famous celebration of the Dinamulag Mango Festival.
About 500 riders in the Elite, Junior, and Youth categories will vie for medals and cash prizes at stake in the 150-km. road race that will cover an out-and-back course at the Zambales Sports Complex in the provincial capital Iba.
Among the noted teams that sent feelers in joining the race are the members of the Philippine national Team, the Navy Standard insurance, 7eleven Cliqq – Roadbike Philippines Continental Cycling Team, Go for Gold, Victoria Sports Pro Cycling and the Excellent Noodle Cycling Team.
“Cycling tourism is growing increasingly popular, not only in Zambales province but throughout the country. And, through our ingenuity, we have combined cycling and trail tourism and along this line, I welcome all the athletes taking part in the Lumba,”
Governor Hermogenes Ebdane said in a statement. Zambales has been a regular venue for cycling, triathlon, off-road races, and even multi-sport competitions, such as regional athletic meets, in the past 15 years.
Lumba Tamo (let’s race) is sanctioned by the Integrated Cycling Federation of the Philippines (PhilCycling) as one of its ranking races for the national championships and will bring the riders to the picturesque coastline of Zambales, one of the longest in the country province wise.
The race, however, will offer a tough challenge for participants as the summer heat and unpredictable crosswinds would demand the most from the riders. The race is principally organized by the provincial government of Zambales through the Zambales Youth and Development Office headed by Eric Matibag.
The Dinamulag Mango Festival 2024 celebration will start on May 2 and culminate on May 11 with a series of daily festivities and activities. (Dante M. Salvana)