A BIGGER Tour of Luzon 2026 in terms of distance and prize money is what’s in store for local and foreign bets as the most prestigious cycling event of the year will take place from April 29 to May 13.
This year’s Tour will now feature 14 stages (about 2,000 kilometers), from eight (1,074.9 kilometers) last year when the traditional annual cycling race was revived.
Over P12 million of cash prize, from P7 million last year, is also at stake with the team champion taking P2 million and the individual to be handed with P1 million.
“This year, the Tour of Luzon unites us once again. Because this race is more than a spectacle. It is the unfolding journey of a nation – our heritage in motion,” said chief organizer Arrey Perez during the event’s press conference on Monday at The Lighthouse at the Meralco headquarters in Pasig City.
The race begins with Stage 1 at Calatagan, Batangas to Tagaytay City to be followed by a team time trial within Clark for Stage 2.
Stage 3 will be from Clark to Palayan City, Nueva Ecija; Stage 4 from Palayan City to Bayombong, Nueva Vizcaya; Stage 5 from Bayombong to Tuguegarao City, Cagayan; Stage 6 from Gattaran, Cagayan to Pagudpud.
Stage 7 will be a Pagudpud out-and-back route, while Stage 8 will be from Pagudpud to Paoay Church where last year’s race began.
Stage 9 will be from Laoag to Candon, Ilocos Sur which also serves as the site of the criterium race for Stage 10.
Stage 11 will be from Candon to San Juan, La Union; Stage 12 from Agoo, La Union to Mangatarem; and Stage 13, a Lingayen individual time trial.
The 14th and final stage will be a climb from Lingayan to Baguio City where the winner is expected to be determined.
Bigger, better Tour
MVP Group of Companies chairman Manny V. Pangilinan has provided the support to the Tour through MPTC, while also approving the increase in prize money.
“The Tour of Luzon, for us older people, we grew up Tour of Luzon many decades ago because it was the sport apart from basketball. But really, it led us to cycling. I’m glad we are expanding it, quite similar to what Tour of Luzon was many years ago,” said Pangilinan.
“It’s meant really to attract more cyclists to the event. First, to address the needs of the humble portion of our population. And as well, to increase foreign cyclists to this particular event. The more we face competition from foreigners, I think the better for the sport,” said Pangilinan.
Head of commissaires Lorenzo Lomibao said 20 teams will be participating this year, with squads still showing interest in joining. Organizers though have put a cap of 150 riders for the race.
Korean rider Dae Yeong Joo of the Gapyeong Cycling Team was last year’s champion, although on whether he will compete this year to defend his individual classification title remains to be seen.
Second placer Jan Paul Morales of Standard Insurance and King of the Mountain Joshua Pascual of Excellent Noodles Cycling will be among the top guns for this year’s race.
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