7-Eleven cycling team to compete in Australia

The 7-Eleven cycling team will compete in the Herald Sun Tour, which will be held in Australia next year.

Philippine Continental Team director Ric Rodriguez said the country’s participation in the tournament slated to be held on Feb. 1-5 was upon the invitation of the Herald Sun Tour organizers, as they admired the climbing skills of the 7-Eleven riders who have been joining Asian 2.2 races for the past four years.

Rodriguez said the Filipino riders are excited to race against World Tour su­perstars, such as three-time Tour de France champion Chris Froome and his Team Sky, Simon Gerrans of Orica and Colombia’s Esteban Chavez.

The Filipino cyclists hope to gain more experience in the tournament and boost their chances of qualifying for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.

Making up the Philippine team are Mark Galedo, Marce­lo Felipe, Rustom Lim, Edgar Nieto, Jesse Ewart and Josh Berry.

Before going to Australia, the team will join the 2.2 New Zealand Cycling Classic on January 22-26. PNA