Philippine cyclist Jonel Carcueva showcased his dominance on the road once again as he secured victory in the 2024 PhilCycling National Championships for Road last Friday. Carcueva, hailing from Cebu, captured his third consecutive Men Elite crown, reaffirming his status as one of the country’s top cyclists.
The fiercely contested race took place in Tagaytay City, with Carcueva emerging triumphant after conquering the challenging Sampaloc Climb. Clocking in at an impressive time of 4 hours, 23 minutes, and 23.40 seconds, Carcueva claimed the gold medal and further solidified his reputation as a formidable force in Philippine cycling.
Carcueva’s teammate from the continental team Go-for-Gold, Jericho Jay Lucero, secured a commendable second-place finish, crossing the finish line just a minute behind Carcueva. The 178.30-km race, which commenced and concluded at the Praying Hands along Isaac Tolentino Avenue, witnessed an intense battle among the country’s top cyclists.
In third place was Ronald Lomotos of Philippine Navy-Standard Insurance, who crossed the finish line a mere nine seconds behind Lucero, rounding out the podium positions.
The National Championships served as a crucial platform for cyclists to showcase their talent and prowess, with the top finishers earning coveted spots in the national road team. These cyclists will represent the Philippines in prestigious competitions such as the Asian Championships later this year and the Southeast Asian Games, which are set to return to their pre-pandemic schedule in December. The 2025 SEA Games is slated to take place in Thailand, providing an opportunity for Filipino cyclists to compete on the regional stage.
A total of 69 cyclists participated in the Men Elite race, which traversed various scenic locales in Batangas including Nasugbu, Lian, Balayan, Tuy, Calaca, Lemery, Agoncillo, and Talisay. The grueling five-day, three-discipline national championships showcased the talent and determination of the nation’s cycling elite, with Carcueva emerging as the undisputed champion once again.
