Tour of Luzon’s Great Revival hits road this summer

The stage is set for the famed Tour of Luzon to again hit the road this summer.

The Great Revival of the iconic multi-stage cycling race presented by Metro Pacific Tollways Corporation (MPTC) and DuckWorld PH kicks off on 24 April up north in Laoag City and rolls for eight days across the region’s diverse terrain before reaching its climax on a punishing climb en route to Baguio City.

MPTC chairman and chief operating officer Manny Pangilinan said the Tour of Luzon is more than just a race but a symbol of grandness and nobility that puts not just the physical prowess but also the mind and spirit of a rider to an ultimate test.

“The Tour of Luzon is not just a race; it is a symbol of grandness and nobility,” Pangilinan said in a statement.

“Its greatness lies in its vision — a vision that dared to conquer the impossible through sheer force of will, discipline and determination.’’

Filipino riders from 12 local-based teams have already confirmed participation with three foreign squads from Southeast Asia asking to be invited to the bikathon where they will pedal for 1,050 kilometers of vibrant scenery on high-speed routes, coastal roads, mountain passes and even urban areas.

Top officials of the Tour’s organizing committee unveiled the details of the eight-day race in a press conference Friday at the Meralco Lighthouse with Philippine Olympic Committee president Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino, Philippine Sports Commission chairman Richard “Dickie” Bachmann, DuckWorld PH chairman Patrick Gregorio, MPTC president Arrey Perez and race director Lorenzo Lomibao Jr.

“Today, the Great Revival of the Tour of Luzon realizes a great dream for Philippine cycling. It is a privilege to work with the MVP Group and PhilCycling to rebuild this legacy,” Gregorio said.

“We cannot ask for better partners who truly appreciate the value and potential of this sport.”

Stage 1 is anticipated to be an out-and-back ride for 170 kilometers along the coastline of Ilocos Norte from Laoag all the way to Pagudpud and the Patapat viaduct before returning to the province’s capital on the same route.

Prior to the first stage, the opening ceremony will showcase the riders in a team presentation on 23 April with UCI (Union Cycliste Internationale) Continental Teams 7-Eleven Roadbike Philippines, Standard Insurance Philippines, Victoria Cycling Team and Go For Gold Cycling Team leading the pack.

“On behalf of the entire cycling community, we would like to express our gratitude to the MVP Group and DuckWorld for reviving the Tour of Luzon. This historic race will help us discover more talents for the national team,’’ said Tolentino, who also sits as PhilCycling president.

Domestic teams Excellent Noodles, D’ Reyna and Dandex Multi-Sports have likewise confirmed attendance as well as squads from the local government units of Iloilo, Nueva Vizcaya, Davao, Cebu and Tagaytay City-Tom N’ Toms Toms National U23.

These teams, featuring homegrown cycling talents, will figure in the Team Time Trial (TTT) on the second stage on 25 April covering 80 kilometers from Laoag to Vigan in Ilocos Sur. “It has been my lifelong dream to see the first Filipino cyclist compete in the Tour de France. Reviving the Tour of Luzon is a vital step toward achieving that dream. It is about breaking barriers, one “impossible’’ challenge at a time,’’ Pangilinan said.

From Vigan, the riders will race on a relatively flat course to Agoo, La Union (170 kms) in Stage 3 before they ride to Clark in Pampanga via the SCTEX in Stage 4.

The Singapore National Team, ASC Monsters Indonesia, Vietnam National Team and three club teams from Thailand will banner the foreign challenge in the Tour supported by the Philippine National Police, DPWH, Games and Amusements Board and the participating LGUs. The race is also sanctioned by PhilCycling, cycling’s local governing body in the country recognized by the UCI.

“We have 15 teams who have expressed interest. After today’s launch, negotiations will begin with the local teams as well as the overseas teams that asked to be invited,’’ Lomibao said.

Stage 5 will take the Tour entourage to Clark New City in Tarlac and will return to Clark after riding 120 kms on 28 April prior to Stage 6 on 29 April from Clark to Lingayen, Pangasinan (150 kms).

The penultimate seventh stage is an individual team trial covering 30 kms in and around the seaside municipality of Lingayen.

The Tour champion will be crowned after the final stage — a 180-km ride, including a grueling trek on Kennon Road going to Camp John Hay in Baguio City.

The Tour of Luzon is one of Asia’s oldest and most challenging cycling races since its inception in 1955, which pedaled annually until 1998.

The summer spectacle on two wheels was revived in 2002 after a four-year hiatus and continued as Le Tour de Filipinas prior to the pandemic in 2020 when it was shelved anew.