Cycling enthusiasts across the Philippines are gearing up for a bigger and more exciting edition of the Tour of Luzon, a revival that continues to inspire dreams of seeing a Filipino compete in the Tour de France.
“The reason cycling is one of the most popular sporting events in the country is because it reaches the poorest,” said Manny V. Pangilinan, chairman of the MVP Group of Companies, during the MPTC Tour of Luzon 26: Heritage in Motion launch at Meralco in Pasig.
“I think it’s an excellent sport and my goal and dream is to have a Filipino biker compete in the Tour de France,” he added.
Bigger, More Competitive Tour Draws Global Attention
This year marks the second edition of the revived race, expanding from the previous eight stages to a 14-stage event running from April 28 to May 13. The competition will start in Calatagan, Batangas, and conclude on the mountaintop in Baguio, covering a total of 1,900 kilometers across 60 cities and municipalities from 13 provinces. Around 20 teams, or roughly 150 cyclists, are expected to take part, with a prize pool exceeding P12 million, P2 million for the overall team champion and P1 million for the individual victor.
Tour of Luzon president Arrey Perez emphasized the organizers’ commitment to improving the event after last year’s successful staging. “We approach kilometer zero with renewed resolve,” he said, signaling that the race is not only about competition but also about enhancing the Philippines’ presence in international cycling.
Patrick Gregorio, founder of the revived Tour of Luzon and now chairman of the Philippine Sports Commission, also highlighted the race’s broader significance. “It’s not just a comeback story, it’s nation building on two wheels, and that’s very important,” he shared.
Manny Pangilinan explained that the expanded stages and higher prize incentives aim to attract more local and foreign cyclists. “It is meant to attract more cyclists to the event and attract foreign competition. We want to make the Philippines a focal point of cycling in Asia,” he noted. Representatives from La Vuelta, Spain’s biggest cycling race, are scheduled to observe the event, potentially paving the way for a future technical partnership.
Challenging Routes Across Luzon
This year’s course features diverse terrains, starting from Calatagan to Tagaytay City for Stage 1, and includes a 40km team time trial in Clark, Pampanga to New Clark City in Tarlac for Stage 2. Cyclists will traverse Nueva Ecija, Nueva Vizcaya, Cagayan, Ilocos Norte and Sur, La Union, Pangasinan, and finally reach Baguio City for the concluding stage.
The race also incorporates two individual time trials, one in Pagudpud and another in Lingayen, totaling over 1,900 kilometers of racing across northern Luzon.
With the increased visibility and participation of international competitors, the Tour of Luzon not only boosts local interest in cycling but also highlights the Philippines as a hub for competitive sports tourism. Beyond the race, the event inspires young athletes, promotes physical fitness, and strengthens the country’s presence in the Asian and global cycling community, giving Filipinos a sense of pride and international recognition.
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