Citing the massive expansion of his various business interests, Mikee Romero on Friday stepped down as president of the Integrated Cycling Federation of the Philippines (ICFP) or Philcycling.

Romero, CEO and president of Harbour Centre, submitted his resignation letter to Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) president Jose “Peping” Cojuangco, Jr.

“It is with deep regret that I tender my resignation as Philcycling president, effective December 18, 2009,” said Romero in his letter to the POC personally handed by his assistant Erick Arejola.

“With my load work now, it is difficult for me to handle my responsibilities as Philcycling president with the same passion and energy as before. They (cyclists) are close to my heart but it’s unfair to them if I could not give them enough time knowing how they have trained and fought for flag and country,” said Romero.

Aside from Harbour Centre, Romero also has controlling interests in the Manila North Harbour Port, Inc. (MNHPI) and Pacifica, Inc. apart from co-owning the Philippine Patriots in the ASEAN Basketball League (ABL).

Romero, whose Philippine Basketball League (PBL) team Harbour Centre won seven straight championships, was elected president of Philcycling last March, took a leave of absence last September due to his hectic business schedule.

Though he took a leave of absence, Romero, 38, continued to play the role of “godfather” to the cyclists, spending close to P5 million for tryouts, training and participation of the Philippine team to the Laos SEA Games. He also took in Fil-Am Jeremy Moore under his wings to boost the country’s bid in the SEA Games.

Unfortunately, their group was not allowed to compete.

“Sayang, we could have won at least four golds,” lamented Romero.

Romero thanked the POC officials for their unwavering support while he was at the helm of Philcycling.

Romero, however, said he’s not going to totally abandon the cyclists, saying: “I will still help them in my own way. Napamahal na sa akin ang mga siklista nating ito. They deserve help, lahat dapat tumulong sa kanila.”

Ricky Cruz, the group executive vice president, is likely to succeed Romero.