VIENTIANE, Laos — The Philippines suffered a blow on the eve of the opening of the 25th Southeast Asian Games when the 12-man cycling team was barred from taking part despite the unprecedented appeal made by the SEA Games council.

The International Cycling Union (UCI) rejected the proposal to grant temporary licenses to Filipino riders who until Tuesday were hoping for a happy resolution to the controversy.

Joey Barba, set to defend the downhill event of mountain bike, and Scott Remie were not allowed to run in the practice session in the afternoon.

The development cost the Philippines at least two gold medals since aside from Barba, Remia Bitbit is also a defending champion.

Philcycling chairman Arnulfo Taberdo, who acted as team manager, was emotional as he narrated what transpired during the team manager’s meeting held in the morning.

Taberdo said he participated in the drawing of lots and had the impression that the team would be allowed to participate.

It was only during the release of the cyclists’ numbers when Taberdo was told to wait for UCI confirmation.

"They told me to wait for their call, so I went to the mountain bike venue and waited for the call,” Taberdo said.

The run session was scheduled 2:30 p.m. At 4 p.m., Taberdo again inquired and was told to wait until Tuesday night if the cyclists would be allowed to compete the next day.

Exasperated over the turn of events, Taberdo told a UCI official present to decide once and for all if the cyclists would be allowed to compete.

“Tell us now so we can pack our bags and go home,” Taberdo recalled telling the official.

Taberdo admitted he became emotional because he could not stand the way Filipino cyclists are being treated.

He said he doesn’t know what would happen next.

Mikee Romero, the Philcycling president recognized by the Philippine Olympic Committee (POC), is on leave and has not been informed of the sad development.

Taberdo said Romero has been a great help to cycling and has spent more than P5 million to support the national team.

“This was a lost opportunity for the country,” said Philippine Sports Commission chairman Harry Angping in a statement. “Sending a team that would inevitably be prohibited from competing was a waste of resources. We could have assembled and sent the best qualified and licensed riders who have the biggest chance of winning at least one or two gold medals in this event.”