In the 1976 Tour of Luzon, Paquito Rivas eclipsed the 7-year record of Nueva Vizcaya’s formidable two-time ‘Eagle of the Mountain’ and ‘Sprint King,’ Domingo Quilban, in the Burgos to Baguio ITT lap.
In the 13th lap of the 1976 Tour of Luzon, the Visayan team skipper, Rivas, posted a stunning 1:07:12.6—upending Quilban’s 1969 benchmark by what was widely contested as 4 minutes and 6.4 seconds. The breakthrough was the most significant shakeup since the route’s debut in 1965.
Rivas rewrote the record books. Thus, the passing of the torch took place, and he inherited the iconic moniker: Eagle of the Mountain.
Sgt Rivas’ explosion would continue to reign over that 29 km-climbing ITT until 1977.
Historical Note: In 1976, Domingo Quilban chose to participate in PICCA’s 3rd edition and captured his second national cyling tour crown. Yet, the legacy of the Eagle of the Mountain remains forever embedded in both men—the key figures of the legendary Burgos to Baguio ITT.
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