THE legacy left by cyclist Fernando “Andot” Sabal to Cebu’s cycling community will get a fitting tribute when the first-ever AndotTheComeback race presented by Prycegas gets rolling on February 20, 2022, at the Filinvest Road, South Road Properties.
Sabal, fondly known as Andot in the cycling community was a cyclist, race organizer, former participant of the famed Marlboro Tour and the owner of a sports apparel Andot Sports. He passed away due to Parkinson’s disease during the height of the Covid-19 pandemic in June 2020.
Color Lab owner Hannah Sabal-Roca, the daughter of Andot, made a promise to someday organize a bike race in honor of his late father. With the help of her husband, Louie, they have conceptualized this cycling event, which will cater to road bike, mountain bike and fixie riders.
“When my dad died, while we are waiting for his remains, I promised to him that I’m going to organize a race for him. I promised him that I’m going to make his name alive again,” Hannah told this writer in an interview.
Louie said they also want to highlight the purpose and passion-driven brand of AndotSports through this race.
The couple revived AndotSports through Color Lab, a clothing brand that makes sports apparel, PPEs, and other merchandise.
“In 2021, Color Lab became stable enough to sustain itself. We became a pioneer supplier of PPEs in Cebu. It was able to “save” AndotSports, which was on the verge of getting bankrupt in 2020 because of the pandemic,” said Hannah.
Cash prizes and exciting goodies await the winners and participants in the first-ever Andot-TheComeback race come Feb. 20.
Categories to be competed are the elite open, 19-Under, 20-29 years old, 30-39 years old, 40-49 years old, 50-59 years old, Golden, MTB Open, Fixie Open, women’s open, Heroes and Fun Ride.
Consultant Joel Juarez of Coco Running said the race adheres to safety protocols set by the IATF and the local government unit. He said the competition will have separate starting times per category and the awarding will be based on categories.
“Once the top cyclists of that category arrive, we will award immediately. They will not come in bunches since there’s a different gun start for them. Our finish area is also open space and al fresco,” he said.
The organizers added that all the crew and staff are fully-vaccinated and participants are required to present their vaccination cards upon registration.
As of yesterday, the event has drawn 450 registrants.
Registration is open until Feb. 17. Entry fee is pegged at P480 inclusive of cycling jersey, packed lunch, race face mask, race number and certificates.
Pick up of race kits is from Feb. 18 to 19 at the Vibo Place along Escario St..