27/08/2025
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After years of silence on the open road, Tour of Luzon returns with a thunderous pedalling which awakens the spirit of Philippine Cycling. Known for its fiercest stage races, its long-awaited comeback pumps up the watts output not just of the seasoned riders but also a new wave of enthusiasts who are eager to witness the history in motion. From provincial highways to mountainous climbs, the Tourโs greatest revival assures a fiery new chapter.
Wheels are turning and gears are cranking up once again, louder, faster, and more competitive than ever with the 2025 Tour of Luzon signals a full blown resurgence, gathering 119 cyclists from 17 teams including international crews hailing from South Korea, Taiwan, Malaysia, and Hong Kong. This sparked up the interests of local fans and professional cyclists alike, who mostly grew hearing legends of the tour and now ride to write their own.
This year has an eight stage journey that will surely test the athletes endurance, strategy, and national pride across 1060.7 kilometers of Luzonโs various terrains. Cyclists will navigate the historic cities, coastal roads and grueling mountain climbs through stages such as Paoay to Vigan, San Juan to Clark, and the crippling final ascent to Camp John Hay in Baguio City. The routes not only challenge each riders capability but also to showcase the scenic and cultural tapestry of Northern Luzon.
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In its clamoring past, the legendary history of The Tour of Luzon dates back to 1954 with the Manila-Vigan Race. The countryโs most iconic multi-stage cycling race was inspired by the European Grand Tours and was dubbed to be as โThe Summer Sports Spectacle on Wheelsโ.
Antonio Arzala was the first ever champion of the first edition Tour of Luzon who cycled from over 500 kilometers for three days- Manila to Tarlac, Tarlac to Naguilian, and Naguilian to Vigan. This was then one of the highlights of the then To***co Festival. The countryโs spectacle on wheels competition has cycled through the decades, lasting 22 years with the Malboro Tour on its saddle.
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While the dubbed Summer Sports Spectacle on Wheels was thriving, lull has also been faced by the tour in between 1970 to 1972 but still pushed through. However, the cycling community in 1999 faced an issue forcing the halt to the race in 1999. This is due to the global anti-tobacco campaign that led to the restraints of cigarette advertising.
Despite that, the Filipino cycling community remained passionate, rekindling the local enthusiasm through the Tour of Calabarzon. This has led to the revival of national races in 2002. Adding forth Tour de Filipinas in 2003, which was supported by Airfreight 2100 under Bert Lina and Lito Alvarez which headlined a 17-leg race, the longest since 1998.
Bert Lina played a vital role in Philippine Cycling being the first president of PhilCycling, keeping the cycling game in the country alive through various versions of tour-FedEx Express Tour, Padyak Pinoy, Ronda Pilipinas, and the iconic Golden Tour in 2005 celebrating the 50th year of cycling in our country. In 2010, Le Tour de Filipinas gained international recognition by joining the UCI Asia Tour, which ran until 2019.
But in all ways, the pandemic has entered each of the walls of every known activity we do which again abruptly halting the cycling momentum our nation had. The people became hidden behind the screens and walls, all eager to return to their own handlebars.
However, no one can ever faze the burning passion of the pinoy cyclists. This 2025, after years of anticipation, the Tour is back. The Tour of Luzon:The Great Revival comes back with the support of Manuel V. Pangilinan, who has brought the legacy of Bert Lina all together to keep cycling on the road. It is organized by DuckWorld PH, powered by Cignal TV, and presented by Metro Pacific Tollways Corporation, the race will span eight stages and over a thousand kilometers across seven Luzon regions.
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From its iconic Luneta Park ending, this yearโs final stage was set to Camp John Hay, Baguio City, to test its riders leg capability, and to know who really is the Eagle of the mountain among the hundred cyclists who participated.
The legendary riders of the past tours also resurfaced to ride along with their new companions such as the Southeast Asian Games medalists Ronald Oranza and Jan Paul Morales as part of the International Cycling Union (UCI) continental team and also joined by veteran cyclist Junrey Navarra who showcased their experiences in the Philippine contingent. Reigning national road champion Marcelo Felipe and Nichol Pareja both represent Victoria Sports Pro Cycling Team, while Ruzzel Agapito rides for 7-Eleven Cliqq Roadbike Philippines. Additionally, Joshua Pascual and Julius Tudtud compete under the banner of Excellent Noodles and DReyna Orion Cement. On the other hand, Mervin Corpuz under the MPT DriveHub Cycling Team leads their team and is also known for his consistent performances on both local and international stages.
Despite the presence of legendary Filipino riders, it was the South Korean cyclist Joo Daeyoung who stole the spotlight in the intense final stage of the Tour of Luzon. Pedaling rhythmically through the heavy punishing ascent to Camp John Hay, Daeyoung clinched the yellow jersey in the Individual General Classification which edged out Filipino veteran Jan Paul Morales of Standard Insurance Philippines by a needle margin of just six seconds.
Adding to the international dominance, Muhammad Zahin Wahhi of Malaysia Pro Cycling earned the red jersey as the raceโs most combative rider. Meanwhile, Mervin Corpuz of Standard Insurance Philippines unleashed his sprinting prowess by taking the green jersey and James Paul Ryan Escumien of Go for Gold claimed the White Jersey as the best young rider. Excellent Noodles Cycling Teamโs Joshua Pascual pushed ahead, ranking first in the last stage of the individual classification. Ending the tour, MPT DriveHub Cycling Team took top rank in the Team General Classification, solidifying Philippinesโ competitive edge on home grounds.
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The revival of the Tour of Luzon marks a powerful turning point for Philippine cycling and rekindling a legacy while igniting dreams of global glory. More than just a race, it symbolizes the nationโs drive to nurture future champions who can rise alongside the worldโs elite. Guided by a timeless vision: conquer the impossible and not through luck or shortcuts, but through the sheer power of human will, steadfast discipline, and relentless determination, this comeback fuels every Filipino cyclistโs dream of one day racing in the Tour de France.
Written by Frances Monique Baaclo
Photos Courtesy of MPTC Tour of Luzon, Shots by Mikatooo, Ride and Shine, PAR Cycle
Layout by Angelo Guting
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