WHAT else but a fitting encore?
True-blue cycling fans can expect that the success of the recent MPTC Tour of Luzon would mean another and bigger race next year.
“The wheels are turning and there is no slowing down. There is a strong clamor from the Filipino cycling fans to bring the Tour of Luzon back next year,” chairman Patrick “Pato” Gregorio of organizing DuckWorld PH said. “The MPTC Tour of Luzon was more than a revival; it was a powerful reminder of who we are and what we are capable of as a cycling nation.
“To every rider, supporter and soul who stood by the roadside or followed from afar, you did not just witness history. You helped write it,” the amiable sports executive added.
Gregorio spoke as the curtains closed on the “Great Revival” last week at the Camp John Hay Convention Center in Baguio City and said there will likely be a souped-up tour next as the public rekindled its interest in the fabled summer cycling showpiece.
“Next year, we ride farther, push harder and dream louder for the future of Philippine cycling,” Gregorio, also the country’s rowing chief, said. “Kung pinukaw namin ang inyong mga damdamin, pinukaw ninyo ang aming mga hangarin.”
Dae Yeong Joo of the Gapyeong Cycling Team stamped his mark by bagging the overall individual title in the eight-stage, 1,074.90-km road trip that ended in the chilly and popular tourist spot.
Jan Paul Morales of Standard Insurance Philippines tantalizingly came so close to restoring Filipino pride but fell by just six seconds for runner-up honors in a race that went down as one of the closest in the history of the Tour.
MPT Drivehub’s Jonel Carcueva finished third in the overall general classification while Victoria Sports’ Nichol Pareja ended fourth and Morales’ teammate Jeremy Lizardo fifth.
Excellent Noodles Cycling Team’s Joshua Pascual stunned the field by ruling the queen stage and wrested the “Eagle of the Mountain” diadem.
MPTC chief regulatory officer and Tour executive director Arrey Perez also vowed that next year’s bike meet will be bigger and better.
“The Tour of Luzon must be held every year and we were overwhelmed with the clamor of the fans in every stage we’ve been to,” he said.
“For sure, we’ll add stages and a lot of LGUs (local government units) are now talking with us. They want to be involved.”
Curiously, Joo said he does not want to return to Baguio—or he is just playing coy.
“No more Baguio (stages),” he said.
