PhilCycling President Tolentino to Receive ACC Merit Award in Kazakhstan

ALMATY, Kazakhstan — Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino, president of the Integrated Cycling Federation of the Philippines (PhilCycling), is set to be honored with a merit award by the Asian Cycling Confederation (ACC) at its Congress on June 6.

According to Philippines News Agency, the award recognizes Tolentino’s “exemplary service towards the development of the sport of cycling in your region.” Tolentino, who has led PhilCycling since 2008, is also the current mayor of Tagaytay City and president of the Philippine Olympic Committee.

Under Tolentino’s leadership, significant strides have been made in Philippine cycling, including BMX rider Daniel Caluag’s participation at the London 2012 Olympics and his gold medal win at the 2014 Asian Games in Incheon, South Korea. Tolentino also oversaw the development of the country’s only International Cycling Union (UCI)-standard BMX racing track in Tagaytay City, which hosted events for the 2019 Southeast Asian Games and the 2023 ACC Asian Championships.

Additionally, four Philippine-registered UCI Continental Teams have been established under his administration: 7-Eleven-Cliqq by Road Bike Philippines, Go-For-Gold Cycling Team, Victoria Sports Pro Cycling Team, and Standard Insurance by Standardized Cycling Team. During the pandemic, Tolentino also facilitated the donation of bicycles to various communities, recognizing the bicycle as an essential mode of transportation during lockdowns.

“I feel honored,” Tolentino said in response to the announcement of his award, reflecting on his contributions to the sport and the broader cycling community in the Philippines.