SOME 250 riders are seeing action when the Tour De Grande unreels at 5 a.m. of May 10 in an out-and-back course from San Isidro Labrador Parish in Barangay Catalunan Grade, Talomo District.
Tour de Grande Dos assistant project director Bom-Bom Diez, who guested with Knights of Columbus deputy grand knight Tony Royeras, bared this during Thursday's Davao Sportswriters Association (DSA) Forum at the NCCC Mall Davao Food Cove Function Hall.
Royeras said that a total of 10 categories are entered in the bikefest including open-elite, 23-under, junior 18 and under, veteran (30 to 39 years old), masters (40 to 49 years old), ladies open, golden boys (50 years old and above), legend (60 years old and above), fat boys (minimum weight of 180 lbs.), and executive (25-45 years old).
rExecutive riders, however, are required to show a Philippine Regulation Commission (PRC) license or business permit under their names.
Diez, for his part, said they will still cater on-site registration, adding in the vernacular: "Registration fee is still pegged at P350 inclusive of singlet, mineral water and packed lunch. The organizers will also accept on-site registration for late bikers."
Royeras said they also expect riders from nearby cities and provinces, adding that: "Entries from North Cotabato and Cagayan de Oro confirmed their participation."
He also said: "At least 173 riders have registered for our event. We are still expecting 100 more who were endorsed by Phil-Cycling deputy secretary for Mindanao Salvador 'Jun' Paholio."
Diez also confirmed that top-rated bets are seeing action in the open elite and 23 and under race events.
From San Isidro Labrador Parish, riders will pass through San Miguel Road then Santo Niño Ilhan, Matina Pangi Road, Diversion Road and Pink Sisters then back to origin.
Diez added only the open elite and 23-under categories will have two laps with a total distance of 36 kilometers while the rest of the categories will have one lap of 18 kilometers.
Proceeds raised from this race event will be turned over to the SILP for the completion of their Pastoral and Formation Building.
"The first floor of the Pastoral and Formation Building is almost complete. We are targeting its completion on the day of the event itself on May 10," Diez bared.
A total of P49,500 cash prize is at stake for the top finishers in each category.
Champions in the open elite, 23-under, junior 18-under and veterans events will receive P3,000 with medals while the next two placers will pocket P2,500 and P2,000 and medals, respectively.
For the masters, ladies open, golden boys, legend and fat boys categories, top finishers will take home P2,000, P1,500 and P1,000 each. Medals, however, will be given to the first 10 finishers in the executive class.
Non-winners will also receive certificates of participation from the organizers.
Medical certificate, according to Diez, will not be required for each biker but they will need to sign a waiver when they register.
Traffic Management Center (TMC), Philippine National Police (PNP) and 911 personnel will be on hand to ensure the safety and security of the participants.
"I'm inviting bikers out there to join our event wherein your participation alone can contribute to the completion of SILP Pastoral and Formation Center in Catalunan Grande," Diez said.
The event, organized by Knight of Columbus and Davao City Sports Consumer Cooperative, is also sponsored by International Pharmaceutical Inc., Digos Constrak Corporation, My Gas, Figher Wine, A Plus Paint, Union Galvasteel, Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office, AVM Constraction, Polinar Tire Supply, El Grande Coop, 99.5 FM, Emcor, PagCor, Grand Men Seng Hotel, Nature's Spring, and Pepsi.