CASOBE, Calatagan, Batangas — The wheels are in motion for the MPTC Tour of Luzon 2026 as The Heritage Ride, fueled by McDonald’s, set the pace on Sunday. The event delivered a fast and friendly peloton showdown under a mass start format across a 60.1 KM-kilometer coastal route with moderate difficulty.

 

Serving as the opening ride of the tour, it brought together invited cyclists, sponsors, and stakeholders in a race that combined competition and camaraderie, with a welcome message from Donna May Lina, President and Chief Creative Officer of UBE MEDIA, INC. With a total elevation of 386 meters and a checkpoint at McDonald’s Balayan serving as the official feed zone, riders pushed through the course in a spirited prelude to the main tour.

 

The race crowned Jhay R. Sotto as the overall men’s winner after a tight sprint finish. He also topped the Under-35 category, edging Patrick Policarpio by a narrow margin. Carl Vincent Gutierrez secured third place.

 

In the women’s division, Gen Perez led the field and claimed the overall title. Femia Ib-Ib and Maria Victoria Querol finished second and third, respectively.

 

In the 36–45 category, Emmanuel Andan took a strong solo win, followed by Aristotle Ramos and John Wolfred Simbajon.

 

The 46–55 bracket saw Pio Tumpang take first place, with Ricardo Rontal and Roel Guillermo completing the podium.

 

In the 55 and above category, Marcos Elorde proved age is just a number, powering through to win gold. Rene Lacson and Nicolas Torre finished second and third.

 

All category winners received gold, silver, and bronze trophies, while non-podium finishers were awarded finisher’s medals, with the awarding ceremony represented by Mr. Kiko Dagohoy, Government Relations Officer of NLEX, on behalf of Mr. Luis S. Renon. The event marked not just a race completed, but a shared ride celebrating Philippine cycling.

 

More than just a warm-up, The Heritage Ride served as a meaningful opener that built momentum for the MPTC Tour of Luzon 2026: A Heritage in Motion.