The humiliation suffered by the national cyclists in the Southeast Asian Games in Laos could have been averted had the Philippine Olympic Committee heeded the letter sent by the International Cycling Union (UCI) saying only card-bearing riders may compete in the cycling events.

In Friday’s SCOOP session sa Kamayan, PhilCycling executive director Jojo Villa, speaking in behalf of association president Tagaytay Mayor Abraham  “Bambol” Tolentino, said the POC had insisted on sending riders despite the warning by UCI that it will not allow riders without UCI cards to race.

“Alam naman nila (POC) na UCI will supervise cycling in the SEA Games. Binalewala nila at pinadala pa rin yung hindi qualified. The UCI cards serve as their license or passport,” stressed Villa.

Tolentino, elected president in a UCI-supervised election at the Amoranto Stadium in Quezon City, was to be the guest in the session but begged off at the last minute.

Villa presented the letter sent by UCI president Pat McQuaid dated December 7 to the 25th SEA Games Organizing Committee stating that “only riders who hold a valid license may participate” in a cycling event organized or supervised by the UCI, as the SEA Games.

A copy of the letter was also sent to Philcycling on October 27 while another copy was sent by the Asian Cycling Confederation to the Philippine Olympic Committee on November 2.

Villa also lamented the failure of Maritess Bitbit to compete in the race despite her having the UCI card.

“She’s the only UCI card holder in the team,” said Villa “Fact is, she went to the venue ready to race.”

Villa said the failure of the cyclists to run dampened the bid of the Philippines to win more medals in the biennial meet.

“Cycling is a certified achiever in the SEA Games. Our cyclists consistently win medals in this competition,” he said.

“We, in Philcycling are sad over what had happened, and are appealing for unity so that it will not happen in future international competition,” he said. (Tempo Sports)