A New Team

After more than a month of speculations and unofficial statements, I finally received a notification informing me of a scheduled meeting with some officials of the National Cycling Team. On March 26, Monday. I and the other newbies were met by some members of the national coaching staff. We were told that we are formally part of the National Cycling Team. Cyclists were considerably silent as one of the staff explained the current situation in the team and that all were decided by the board. He also said that there were no budget and the sponsor hasn’t released any amount yet. The staff further explained that the team, with the staff and crew, was supposed to be disbanded but through negotiations, everyone will be under evaluation, and the cyclists will undergo a series of trials instead. All were decided by the board. He added that considerations were made because the team performed well in the last Asian Games in Doha. My name was specially mentioned, when the staff said in a matter of fact tone that a time-trialist broke my record itt time. He even asked another staff to confirm his statement. Huh? I was a bit lost. But I’ve never been to Doha, so how can someone break a record that do not exist? Ano kayang itt time at saan ang tinutukoy? Is it possible to compare to 2 itt time done on different routes; with different distance done in different places, different terrains, and other environmental factors?  Please don’t get me wrong, I will be very happy if a fellow Pinoy cyclist becomes successful. Records are made to be broken. The glory that a successful colleague brings to our country is much larger than a single person’s interest that his/her record be retained. Mas gusto ko na mabura nga kung ano man ang record ko, because when this happens, it won’t only be a clear sign that cycling in our country is progressing, but will also stir the interest of sponsors to the benefit of our sport. Pero sana my name won’t be wrongly dropped just to save someone from blame. Wasak na naman ako!

            Enough rant! Let’s move on, I and the other newbies were informed that we are supposed to train with the team from the first 3 days of the week, and the rest will be used for individual training, a consideration for the upcoming tour. During the days that we train as a team, we are required to sleep at the quarters in Amoranto. In fairness, the quarters were improved compared to its former condition. Some rooms were air conditioned, the comfort rooms were fixed, and there are abundant supply of water.  It was emphasized that what they’re doing is right since they are still in the team. There will also be a series of trials that we must pass para makasama kami sa mga karera abroad. Aside from the SEAGames that will be held in Thailand, the team will join a race in South Africa around July.  The monthly allowance is 4,000 Php.

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            The newbies had the medical exams and testings at the PSC SMAP last April 2-3. Unfortunately, we havn’t finished it the necessary lab testings so we went back on Tuesday, April 10. Sa wakas, natapos na namin all the necessary procedures. I was told that the small bump on my back is a cyst. I had it recently, just about 10 months ago. The doctor told me, it is usually removed via simple surgery, but I can just let it be if it is not growing and not bothersome. I’ll decide what I’m gonna do with it after having it checked by 2 more doctors. I have learned my lesson. I hope it’s nothing serious. We were assisted going through the whole process by a colleague and friend of my sis-in-law, Ma’m Cecil. Thank you Ma’m for helping us and for being patient sa mga kakulitan namin.

            Now that I am back in the team, I really hope I can just do my thing and pedal my way peacefully on the right track. God Bless and Good Luck to the team! Let’s move forward!