Korean rider Kyeong Ho Min of Seoul Cycling Team finally captured a breakthrough victory in the Stage 13 Individual Time Trial of the MPTC Tour of Luzon 2026, dominating the fast coastal course along the baywalk of Lingayen, Pangasinan with a winning time of 25 minutes and 39 seconds.
After previously finishing third during the earlier Stage 7 Individual Time Trial, Min successfully fulfilled his long-awaited goal by claiming victory in one of the race’s most crucial stages. The Korean time trial specialist delivered a composed and powerful ride, finishing just 22 seconds ahead of current Yellow Jersey holder Nikita Shulchenko of LCW UAE Cycle Team.
Despite narrowly missing the stage victory, Shulchenko once again demonstrated consistency under pressure and managed to protect his overall lead heading into the final and most decisive mountain stage of the tour.
Meanwhile, last year’s Individual Time Trial stage winner Joseph Javiniar of Excellent Noodles Cycling Team finished 30 seconds behind the winning pace but still secured a podium finish in third place after another strong effort against the clock.
Stage 13 also created significant movement among the riders chasing the overall classification standings. French climber Antoine Huby of 7Eleven Cliqq Roadbike Philippines Team remains one of the biggest threats to the Yellow Jersey and now sits just 3 minutes and 50 seconds away from overtaking Shulchenko in the overall race standings.
At the same time, Best Young Rider leader Yousef Ibrahiem Alrefai of LCW UAE Cycle Team continues to play a crucial supporting role for the LCW squad while steadily strengthening his own position in the general classification battle.
The Filipino campaign also remains alive heading into the final stage, with Nash Joshua Lim of MPT Drivehub Cycling Team and Mervin Corpuz of 7Eleven Cliqq Roadbike Philippines Team continuing to stay competitive against the foreign contenders.
Although Stage 13 was relatively short compared to the grueling mountain stages, the Individual Time Trial provided a clearer glimpse of what could unfold in tomorrow’s decisive finale.
The final stage from Lingayen to Baguio covering 177.8 kilometers is now expected to determine the ultimate winner of the MPTC Tour of Luzon 2026.
While another foreign rider appears poised to join defending champion Joo Dae Yeong of Gapyeong Cycling Team in the list of overall champions, the biggest question now centers on whether the title will belong to Russian leader Nikita Shulchenko of LCW UAE Cycle Team or French climbing specialist Antoine Huby of 7Eleven Cliqq Roadbike Philippines Team.
Still, the possibility of a dramatic Filipino breakthrough remains alive as the race heads into its final battle.
After days of anticipation and shifting momentum, one thing remains certain in the MPTC Tour of Luzon 2026, the mountains will ultimately decide everything.
