THE TOUR of Luzon has made a triumphant return, rekindling the excitement of one of the Philippines’ most iconic cycling races. This year’s edition, dubbed “The Great Revival”, has captured the imagination of cycling enthusiasts across the country, bringing back the drama, endurance, and sheer determination that defined its golden years.
The Tour of Luzon traces its roots back to the 1950s, when it was first held as a multi-stage cycling race across the island. Over the decades, it evolved into a premier sporting event, producing legendary Filipino cyclists such as Antonio Arzala, Cornelio Padilla, Jose Sumalde, and the cycling pride of my hometown, Mawe Reynante.
The race became synonymous with summer, as riders braved scorching heat, unpredictable weather, and grueling terrain to claim victory. During its peak, the Tour of Luzon was a national spectacle, with fans lining the roads to cheer on their favorite riders.
As an avid teenage fan, I would stand along the street of Alabang, waiting to catch a glimpse of Mawe Reynante as the entourage passed thru Muntinlupa. Mawe was easy to spot since he was wearing the Yellow Jersey. Not content just watching the cyclists breeze by, I would immediately switch on to radio station DZHP to hear the blow-by-blow account of top sportscaster Joe Cantada. The following morning, although I already knew the results of the previous day, I would still look for the report of sports writer Gus Villanueva in the widely circulated Manila Times.
The race was discontinued in the late 1990s due to sponsorship challenges and shifting priorities in Philippine sports. Now, after years of absence, it has returned with renewed vigor, promising to reignite the country’s passion for cycling.
The 2025 Edition
This year’s Tour of Luzon features eight stages, covering key locations such as Ilocos Norte, La Union, Tarlac, Pampanga, Pangasinan, and Benguet. The race began in Paoay, Ilocos Norte, and will culminate in Baguio City, where riders will tackle the legendary Kennon Road climb—a true test of endurance and skill.
For many Filipinos, the Tour of Luzon is more than just a race — it is a cherished memory. I cannot forget a three-way cycling spill involving me and my brothers as we tried to reenact the championship lap of the first tour champion, Antonio Arzala. The thrill of watching riders push their limits, the inspiration drawn from their perseverance, and even the occasional childhood mishap on a bike — all these moments make the Tour of Luzon a truly special part of Philippine sports history.
With its revival, the Tour of Luzon is once again proving that cycling is alive and thriving in the country. The Tour of Luzon 2025 has wrapped up with an electrifying finish! South Korean cyclist Joo Dae Yeong emerged as the overall champion, securing victory by just six seconds over Filipino rider Jan Paul Morales — one of the closest finishes in the race’s history.
The final stage, which ended in Baguio City, saw intense competition as riders tackled the grueling Kennon Road climb. Filipino cyclist Joshua Pascual stunned the field by winning the stage and earning the prestigious “Eagle of the Mountain” title. Meanwhile, MPT DriveHub claimed the team general classification honors, taking home a P1 million prize.
Looking ahead, race organizers have announced plans to expand the Tour of Luzon next year, adding more stages in Southern Luzon and welcoming additional foreign teams. The overwhelming support from fans and sponsors has fueled excitement for an even bigger and better edition in 2026. (totingbunye2000@gmail.com)/PN
