A 10-MEMBER women’s team of the PhilCycling arrived in Ho Chi Minh City on Monday morning for the 13th Biwase Cup — a 10-stage women’s road race that Vietnam hosts annually in celebration of International Women’s Day.

The team is composed of five members of the national women’s team and two other riders who subbed for national athletes who couldn’t join the race because of school duties.

“The goal is for our women’s team to get at least one foreign exposure ahead of the Southeast Asian Games,” said Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) president Rep. Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino, also head of the PhilCycling.

The team is composed of national athletes Mathilda Krog, Kate Yasmin Velasco, Avegail Rombaon, Marianne Dacumos, and Mhay Ann Lina and additions Jelsie Sabado and Maura de los Reyes.

Marita Lucas, Alfie Catalan and Joey de los Reyes are coaching the team supported by the POC, Philippine Sports Commission, Tagaytay City, MVP Sports Foundation, Standard Insurance, Excellent Noodles and 7-Eleven.

The race starts Wednesday — right on the global celebration of International Women’s Day — with a 66-km criterium around Binh Duong New City.

Organized by the Vietnam Cycling Federation, the race covers 1,101 kms and ends on March 17.

After this pre-Cambodia 32nd SEA Games prep race in Vietnam, the entire national team will head to training camp for both the road and mountain bike disciplines.

The race will be live-streamed on https://www.facebook.com/vcfchannel/posts/pfbid0JWL3EfCcczQdEMuN7aZTHTpnDKxn8QG2dB7Y8Ur9VwC7NLw8yYkS8zKTxEWA54bcl.