Iran team to watch in Le Tour
STA. ANA, CAGAYAN, Philippines – Their reputation precedes them and no doubt, riders from highly touted Tabriz Petrochemical Team (TPT) from Iran will carry giant bull’s eyes on their backs when the 2012 Le Tour de Filipinas presented by Air21 hits the road tomorrow.
TPT is a four-time UCI Asia Tour team champions and one of their bets, Rahim Emami romped off with the overall individual crown in the previous Le Tour. Although Emami will not be around, his absence do not necessarily diminish the TPT delegation’s trademark strong climbing ability and stability even under extreme weather one bit.
“Binabantayan talaga namin ang Iranians dahil malakas sila maski mainit na panahon o malamig (The Iranians are marked men considering their strength do not falter under hot or cold conditions),” said LPGMA-American Vinyl head coach Renato Dolosa.
“Pero hindi basta-basta magpapabaya ang mga Pinoy (But Pinoy riders will not back down),” he added.
A Kia hanging around our camping gear.