MANILA -- Filipino rider Jan Paul Morales made another impressive showing in Stage 8 of the ongoing Vietnam Television (VTV) International Cycling Tournament Ton Hoa Sen Cup in Vietnam.
Morales got support from fellow Philippine Navy Standard Insurance teammates Ronald Oranza and Rudy Roque to finish third place in the 50-km. criterium on Sunday.
According to Sports Radio on Monday, Morales was only four seconds behind stage winner Le Nguyen Minh of Vietnam. Le Van Duan, also from Vietnam, was second.
Ronald Lomotos, meanwhile, crossed the finish line with the second group to keep his No. 3 position in the General Classification.
Lomotos had a total time of 21 hours, 34 minutes and 17 seconds, 1:09 behind overall leader Changpad Kristada of Infinite Ais Cycling Team (21:33:08). Juin Jang of Korail Cycle Team (21:33:34) was in second place.
The Philippine Navy likewise remained on top of the General Team Classification going into the last six stages.
A total of 84 cyclists from seven local teams and five foreign squads are competing in the 1,600-km. race that kicked off in Hanoi on Vietnam's National Day last Sept. 2 and will end in Ho Chi Minh City on September 17. (PNA)
