The MPTC Tour of Luzon 2026 hits the road on 29 April in Calatagan and no less than the National Sports Tourism Inter-Agency Committee (NST-IAC) has bestowed its recognition on the 14-stage race that features local and foreign teams.

“The Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) supports the conduct of the MPTC Tour of Luzon 2026 as an activity aligned with the objectives of the NST-IAC,” said Patrick “Pato” Gregorio, who chairs both the PSC and the NST-IAC.

“The PSC likewise recognizes the significance of the event in providing opportunities for athlete participation and in contributing to the continued development of Philippine sports,” added Gregorio, now considered as the “Father of the Tour of Luzon revival” for having spearheaded the fabled summer spectacles’ return last year.

“To this end, the participation of qualified athletes and personnel is strongly encouraged.”

The Tour of Luzon returns for a second straight year under the slogan “A Heritage in Motion” with the Grand Depart for Stage 1 set at 8 a.m. from CaSoBe in Calatagan to a Grand Finish in Tagaytay City where PhilCycling and Philippine Olympic Committee president Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino welcoming the entourage.

At least six foreign teams have confirmed their participation, according to the Tour’s chief organizer and CEO Arrey Perez, with nine local teams — UCI continental and club — vying for the top individual prize of P1 million and team purse P2 million from the total prize pot of P12 million.

Three more overseas squads have pending applications for the race supported by the PSC, MVP Group and title sponsor MPTC and raced under UCI regulations through sanctioning national federation PhilCyling.

Gregorio said that the Tour of Luzon caters not only to the elite in cycling but to the multitude of aspiring young riders all over the country.

“Our athletes cannot be deprived of their dreams,” he said. “Let sports continue!”

The NST-IAC was established under Administrative Order No. 38 to harmonize sports tourism initiatives across government and private sectors.

Accordingly, all concerned government agencies and private entities are encouraged to extend appropriate assistance, subject to applicable laws, rules and regulations, in support of the effective implementation of this activity.

Stage 1 on 29 April of the MPTC Tour of Luzon will be from CaSoBe (Calatagan) to Tagaytay City, Stage 2 team time trial from Clark Parade Grounds to New Clark City, Stage 3 from New Clark City to Palayan City, Stage 4 from Palayan City to Bayombong, Stage 5 from Santiago City to Tuguegarao City, Stage 6 from Tuguegarao City to Pagudpud and Stage 7 Pagudpud-Pagudpud, the first of two-individual time trial (ITT) races.

The rest day will be in Pagudpud on 6 May with Stage 8 set the next day from Pagudpud to Paoay, Stage 9 Laoag City to Candon City, Stage 10 Candon City to a first-ever Tour finish on Bessang Pass, Stage 11 from Candon City to San Juan in La Union, Stage 12 from Agoo to Daang Kalikasan in Mangatarem, Stage 13 ITT on the Baywalk in Lingayen and Binmaley in Pangasinan and the final Stage 14 from Lingayen to Scout Hill at John Hay Hotels in Baguio City.