14 Stages …
13 Provinces …
One Nation, One Mission.
Baguio City, Philippines – After two grueling weeks under the scorching summer sun, witnessed by millions of cycling fans both online and along the roadsides, the MPTC Tour of Luzon 2026: A Heritage in Motion officially concluded with its awarding and closing ceremony held at the John Hay Convention Center, where the new kings of Philippine cycling were finally crowned.
This year’s “Heritage in Motion” edition ended with Russian rider Nikita Shulchenko of LCW UAE Cycle Team emerging victorious in the Individual General Classification after fiercely defending and tightly holding onto the Yellow Jersey from Stage 2 until the final stage of the tour. Throughout the race, Shulchenko consistently proved himself against not only the strongest Filipino riders but also the elite foreign contenders from across Asia and Europe.
French climber Antoine Huby of 7Eleven Cliqq Roadbike Philippines Team also emerged as one of the biggest stars of the tournament after dominating the mountain stages and officially earning the title of Eagle of the Mountain. Huby’s international racing experience and climbing strength were on full display throughout the tour, while his versatility also earned him the Sprint Classification title after outperforming the field’s top sprinters.
Defending champion Joo Dae Yeong of Gapyeong Cycling Team was awarded the Most Combative Rider honors after repeatedly animating the race with aggressive attacks and determined performances despite facing setbacks earlier in the competition.
Meanwhile, Yousef Ibrahiem Alrefai of LCW UAE Cycle Team successfully secured the Best Young Rider White Jersey after remarkably holding the classification lead from Stage 1 until the end of the tour. The young rider’s consistency and maturity throughout the competition highlighted what could become a promising future in international cycling.
The Team General Classification proved to be one of the tightest and most challenging battles of the entire race, where every stage finish and every second mattered among the top contenders. In the end, 7Eleven Cliqq Roadbike Philippines Team emerged as the number one team overall, followed by Go for Gold Philippines in second place, while LCW UAE Cycle Team completed the podium after a strong late-tour push.
Although the major jerseys and overall titles were ultimately claimed by foreign riders, the Filipino cyclists once again demonstrated grit, resilience, and world-class potential throughout the tour. Nash Joshua Lim of MPT Drivehub Cycling Team and Ronnilan Quita of 7Eleven Cliqq Roadbike Philippines Team both secured spots inside the Top 5 of the Individual General Classification, proving that Filipino riders remain a major force to watch in Asian cycling.
In a joint statement during the closing ceremony, MPTC Tour of Luzon Chief Executive Officer and Chief Organizer Arrey Perez, Patrick C. Gregorio, Philippine Sports Commission Chairman and known as the father of the Tour’s revival, President, NLEX Corportaion Luis Renon and Metro Pacific Tollways Corporation President and CEO Gilbert Sta. Maria confirmed that the MPTC Tour of Luzon 2027 is officially set to return with promises of a bigger, longer, and wider edition of the historic race.
The race may now be over, and the finish gantry may soon be dismantled, but one thing has become certain: the summer spectacle of Philippine cycling is here to stay.
Until our next ride.
