MANILA – After losing in the 18th Asian Games in Indonesia, Ariana Dormitorio is bolting the Philippine national cycling team, her father said.
Ariana’s father and head coach Donjie said they were disappointed with how Kamilla Sumagui, deputy secretary-general of the Integrated Cycling Federation of the Philippines (Philcycling), treated them.
The 22-year-old Ariana, a native of Iloilo, struggled heavily in the women cross-country event and failed to finish the race after sustaining a sprained quad muscle on her left thigh.
“With Ariana’s result in the just-concluded Asian Games, we are signifying our intention to officially render our resignation from the national team,” Donjie said in a statement released to Radyo Pilipinas.
His main disappointment was Philcycling’s failure to include him in the delegation to serve as head coach and trainer for Ariana, who top-seeded her event, said Donjie.
“We requested that I pay for my own expenses just so I can be included in the official delegation, and gain access to and assistance from the organizer,” he said.
Donjie said his absence adversely affected Dormitorio’s performance.
“We feel that we are no longer happy with this and will want out of the national team,” said the father.
Donjie also criticized Philcycling for not doing anything when Ariana’s bike arrived late in Indonesia due to cancelled flights in light of a runway incident at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport last week.
“Ariana was one of our biggest prospects for a gold medal since she ranked No. 1. We felt she deserved to be given full support to ensure her 100-percent performance on race day,” Donjie said.
Ariana is the No. 1 women’s elite Olympic cross country rider in Asia with 320 UCI points, based on latest rankings./PN
