Tanguilig conquers 'killer' lap, seizes lead.

(From Philippine Daily Inquirer)

Byline: Marc Anthony Reyes

BAGUIO CITY-Rhyan Tanguilig proved he's got the nerves and the legs to tame the fearsome Cordillera mountains yesterday and reclaimed the yellow jersey of leadership in yesterday's 15th stage of the Air21 Tour Pilipinas here.

A day after yielding top spot to Enrico Domingo, Tanguilig ruled the Baguio-to-Baguio stage-an exhausting drive through all three gateways to this city-and was back on top, this time by four minutes 51 seconds over Lloyd Reynante.

Domingo, who started the day 6:27 ahead of Albert Primero, fell to seventh overall as he struggled home 28th for the day, 23 minutes 20 seconds behind Tanguilig, who timed five hours 53 minutes and 41 seconds in securing his first stage win.

While Tanguilig now seemed to have a lock on the P200,000 top individual prize based on record and experience, the 25-year-old PLDT skipper said he has to survive today's 16th and penultimate stage to Tarlac that will start with another downhill run through Marcos Highway.

"Takot ako sa lusong, pero bukas nakasalalay sa lusong at mahabang patag kaya pipilitin ko talaga (I'm afraid of downhill runs but tomorrow's stage depends on that and the long flat road race. So I have no choice but take the risk)," said Tanguilig, who wore the yellow jersey in the 12th and 13th stages.