The highly anticipated Stage 1 of the MPTC Tour of Luzon 2026: A Heritage in Motion opened with a stunning and unexpected performance, as 19-year-old rider Yousef brahiem Alrefai of LCW UAE Cycle delivered a commanding sweep. In a display of sheer dominance, he secured not just one, but all the podium jerseys.
The Grand Depart released all participating cyclists in a colorful and spirited send-off at the beautiful CaSoBe Resort by Landco Lifestyle Ventures. The route stretched over 143.7 kilometers, taking riders from Calatagan to the iconic Praying Hands, where the finish line was set in Tagaytay City.
The peloton featured a mix of Filipino and international riders, each aiming to create separation early in the race. The first two hours unfolded quietly, as teams carefully monitored one another. Much of the attention was on the defending Tour champion, Joo Dae Yeong of Gapyeong Cycling Team, while Filipino riders looked to position themselves for a podium finish.
At the 2-hour and 30-minute mark, a decisive breakaway formed. Bondoc Rench Michael of Go for Gold, Noor Roseidi Ariff Danial of the National Team Malaysia, and Yousef Ibrahiem Alrefai of LCW UAECycle established a strong gap from the peloton. The trio worked cohesively to extend their advantage.
As the race progressed, Joo Dae Yeong made a powerful move from the peloton, accelerating to bridge the gap and join the leaders. However, before reaching the first King of the Mountains (KOM) stage, the peloton slowed, allowing the breakaway to maintain its edge. Bondoc Rench Michael was eventually reeled back in, marking the final appearance of a Filipino rider at the front in Stage 1.
Approaching Payapa Bound, the strength of the international riders became evident. Noor Roseidi Ariff Danial, Yousef Ibrahiem Alrefai, and Joo Dae Yeong sustained their lead, distancing themselves further from the chasing pack.
Tension escalated rapidly in the final 30 kilometers, as Joo Dae Yeong and Yousef Ibrahiem Alrefai engaged in a thrilling head-to-head battle for the top spot. The young LCW rider matched the defending champion stride for stride, and ultimately, the road favored youth.
In the end, Yousef Ibrahiem Alrefai emerged as the storm no one saw coming. He devastated the competition, claiming the Red Jersey (Most Combative), White Jersey (Best Young Rider), Polka Dot Jersey (KOM), Green Jersey (Points), and Yellow Jersey (Individual Overall), a clean sweep of all major honors.
Stage 1 Individual Classification:
1st – Yousef Ibrahiem Alrefai (Syria) – LCW UAECycle
2nd – Nikita Shulchenko (Russia) – LCW UAECycle
3rd – Douglas Tyler Hannay (Great Britain) – Excellent Noodles Cycling Team (ENCT)
Team Stage Classification:
1st – Go for Gold Philippines
2nd – Excellent Noodles Cycling Team
3rd – Standard Insurance Philippines
All stage winners of the MPTC Tour of Luzon were awarded by Luis Reñon, President and General Manager of NLEX Corporation.
Stage 1 concludes with a powerful statement, but tougher challenges lie ahead. Tomorrow brings the Team Time Trial, now officially included in the overall Team General Classification. With everything still to play for, the competition remains wide open, but the impact of the young Syrian rider has undeniably reshaped the race narrative.
