ROSALES, Pangasinan—His world revolves around works on engineering but his passion is into cycling.

Public Works Ilocos regional director Engr. Fidel Ginez of this town has been celebrating his birthday with the cyclists for already 13 years.

On April 30, Ginez will sponsor again the Engr. Fidel Ginez 13th Cycling Classic which brings together some 130 professional riders all over the country for a competition.

The 165-kilometer race starts from Asingan, San Manuel, Tayug, San Nicolas, Natividad, San Quintin, Umingan, Balungao, Rosales, Villasis and back to Asingan, Binalonan and San Manuel.

Ginez said since he became chief of Agno Flood Control Office in 1994, he started this project to help cyclists after the famous Tour of Luzon stopped. He said his family is very supportive of his intention and a yearly allocation from their budget is segregated for this purpose.

He said it’s worth his effort and resources as the race had produced cycling champs like Arnel Quirimit.

Ginez shoulders all the expenses for the holding of the race and politely shuns offers from interested sponsors, including politicians.

It was his father, the late Santiago Ginez who influenced him to develop fondness of cycling. During his childhood years, his father would tag him along during the Tour of Luzon to watch the cyclists on the road somewhere along Urdaneta City and Binalonan.

The young Ginez said he too tried his luck in local cycling race but was not lucky to win.

His cycling race was originally in Asingan only until no less than Tour of Luzon champion, Jess Garcia from Mangaldan town urged him to expand the coverage of the race. Garcia is helping him with his cycling project.

Since the race is held during his birthday, Ginez prepares five to six pigs to feed his visitors and well- wishers composed mostly of cyclists.

For this year, P12,000 awaits the champion and 10 major prizes.

Ginez said for as long as he is living, he will continue with his passion for cycling and in his mission to help the cyclists. –