By Peter Atencio

TAGAYTAY City?Asingan, Pangasinan pride Baler Ravina and Ilocano rider Ryan Serapio emerged as top contenders for slots in the Philippine Team at the close of the first leg of the National Open Cycling Races here.

Ravina battled strong winds, but still reached the Tagaytay International Convention Center finish line, completing the 160-kilometer route in four hours 16 minutes and 55.97 seconds.

He was nearly five minutes ahead of Tarlac City?s Tomas Martinez and Sta. Rosa, Laguna?s Hillson Mangahis, who fell behind in the last 5 km.

Meanwhile, the 20-year-old Serapio braved the rough roads of Silang and Laurel in lording it over the 40-km, cross-country, mountain bike race.

Serapio clocked one hour 45 minutes and 55.45 seconds, three minutes ahead of Bicolano rival Ricardo Samayo Jr.

A total of 31 riders saw action in the road races, while 13 took part in the cross-country category.

Organizer Pacquito Rivas said two more legs are scheduled as part of the qualifying races for national team members, who will see action in the Southeast Asian Games in Laos late this year.

?We will make our choices until the last three months before the SEA Games. Para piling-pili at malakas ang team,? said Rivas.

Tagaytay Mayor Abraham ?Bambol? Tolentino was on hand to award the trophies to the winners.

The next stage of the races will be held in Tanay, Rizal, and near the Sierra Madre range. Organizers said they plan to race in areas where the terrain is similar to that of Laos to better prepare the riders.

Meanwhile, two former Tour veterans are expected to make their presence felt when the members of PhilCycling hold their election today at the Amoranto Velodrome in Quezon City.

Modesto Bonzo of Pangasinan and Juancho Ramores of Bicol are seeking slots in the 15-member board when polls commence at 1 p.m. It will be held after the scheduled track races of the National Open.

The possibility that any of the two would most likely become the association?s next president emerged after businessman Mikee Romero withdrew from his bid to earn a seat in the board.

The proceedings were almost canceled Friday after cycling officials were unable to secure the use of the multi-purpose arena.

But, the polls were finally given the green light after Tolentino had a word with Quezon City Mayor Feliciano Belmonte to let them use the Roces Avenue facilities.