Tour of Luzon gains traction

BAGUIO CITY — The men behind the rousing return of the Tour of Luzon could not help but rave about the tremendous traction the fabled race has generated since its grand launch last week in Paoay, Ilocos Norte.

“Our reach went from zero to close to 100 million in 10 days,” Patrick Gregorio, whose Duckworld PH joined hands with Metro Pacific Tollways Corporation in holding the eight-leg event dubbed “The Great Revival.”

“Cycling is a very popular sport in the Philippines,” said Gregorio, who likewise lauded the major players of the race as well as the local government units for the event’s smashing success.

Gregorio singled out Local Government Secretary Jonvic Remulla, who was present during the formal awarding ceremonies of the Tour winners, including individual champion Korean Joo Daeyoung.

With Gregorio and Metro Pacific Tollways Corporation chief Arrey Perez teaming up in making sure this year’s Tour is a complete success, Remulla even urged them to add more stages next year with the provinces of Mindoro and Romblon as potential lap hosts.

Remulla added that the department will be all-out in its support of the tour as he went to as far as suggesting that the organizers invite riders not just from Asia but from all over.

Perez said he is looking forward to a “bigger and better” race in 2026 since the recently-concluded was only finalized in two months.

The Tour had its last staging before 2025 in June 2019 with a five-stage race held in parts of Southern Luzon and Bicol that was won by Jeroen Meijers of the Netherlands.

Apart from Joo, who never let go of the yellow jersey from Day One, other standouts of the 2025 edition include climbing expert Joshua Pascual of Excellent Noodles, who ruled Stage 8, the dreaded ascent to the City of Pines via Kennon Road.