By KRISTEL SATUMBAGA
A bigger, better, longer and perhaps a much fiercer battle for supremacy is expected in next year’s Tour of Luzon after the successful revival of the country’s biggest summer spectacle.
The event once again spellbound the Luzon folks as it lived up to the organizers’ battle cry of “The Great Revival” what with the drama produced in the final stage that started in Lingayen, Pangasinan and ended inside Camp John Hay in Baguio City.
Patrick “Pato” Gregorio, chairman of the organizing Duckworld PH, said they are looking at expanding the race to Southern Luzon and adding two to four laps to make the competition more exciting.
“It’s just proper to continue it with a bigger and better Tour of Luzon (next year),” said Gregorio at the close of the event last Thursday in Baguio City.
Arrey Perez, executive director of this year’s Tour of Luzon, echoed the sentiment after seeing how cycling fans and the public enjoyed the eight-stage race that was kicked off in Paoay, Ilocos Sur and passed by Ilocos Sur, La Union, Tarlac, Pampanga, Pangasinan and Benguet.
“I declare that a new season awaits for cycling. Tour of Luzon 2026 is upon us. Cyclists, teams, prepare to battle for bigger prizes,” Perez said during his closing remarks.
“Philippine cycling is alive,” he added.
Korean Joo Dae Yeong of Gapyeong Cycling Team captured the individual general classification title by just six seconds over veteran Jan Paul Morales of Standard Insurance in what considered as one of the closest races in Tour history.
Joo’s historic feat earned him P1 million – thanks to the generosity of sports patron Manny V. Pangilinan who doubled the top prize that was initially set at P500,000.
MPT Drivehub also grabbed the team general classification honors that was also worth P1 million.
And the saddest story of this year’s edition was owned by Mervin Corpuz.
He started the day at second overall and barely two minutes behind Joo, but could not match the pace set by Joshua Pascual of Excellent Noodles and finished 38th overall.
