The Baguio-Baguio Killer Lap, vernacularly known as Otso-Otso, was often the deciding factor in the overall general classification of the Marlboro Tour during the period from 1987 to 1998.
This infamous Baguio showdown decisively separated the boys from the men as participants tackled three of the brutal access roads leading to the City of Pines.
The notorious 199.7-km Killer Lap of the 90s was a brutal multi-loop circuit in Benguet that started and ended in Baguio City—forming a figure-eight shaped route. It required riders’ resiliency to weather the storm.
Participants would initially fly down the descent on Marcos Highway and storm up Naguilian Road to Baguio City. From Baguio City, they would continue descending the Marcos Highway for the last time before a final climb via Kennon Road to Baguio City.
No wonder the legendary Otso-Otso was the quintessential “King Maker” during the golden era of Philippine cycling.
Champions of the Iconic and Dreaded Lap:
- Gerardo “Gerry” Igos (Quezon Province) – 1987
- Crestito “Carlo” Guieb (Nueva Vizcaya) – 1988, 1995 and 1996
- Ariel Maraña (Nueva Vizcaya) – 1989
- Samuel Etrata (Pangasinan) – 1990
- Wilfredo Dula Martinez (Tarlac) – 1994
- Victor Espiritu (Malabon) – 1997 and 1998
Note: The Marlboro Tour did not feature a Herculean staging of the same sort during the years 1991 to 1993.
www.dwaentertainment.com 
Leave a comment