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 competitive yet friendly peloton under a mass start format across a 60.4-kilometer coastal route.
The opening ride brought together invited cyclists, sponsors, and stakeholders in a race that balanced competition and camaraderie. Riders pushed through the course, with McDonald’s Balayan serving as the official feed zone, in a spirited prelude to the main tour. Prior to it, Donna May Lina, President and Chief Creative Officer of UBE Media, Inc., delivered the welcome message.
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 bya narrow margin. Carl Vincent Gutierrez secured third place.
In the women’s category, Gen Perez led the field to claim the overall title, followed by Femia Ib-Ib and Maria Victoria Querol in second and third place, respectively.
Results by category
In support of the Tour, Metro Manila Development Authority General Manager and former Philippine National Police Chief Gen. Nicolas Torre III joined the executive race, where he placed 3rd in the 55 and above category. The top and 2nd spots were secured by Marcos Elorde and Rene Lacson, respectively.
In the 36–45 category, Emmanuel Andan secured a strong win, followed by Aristotle Ramos and John Wolfred Simbajon, while the 46–55 category saw Pio Tumpang take the first place, with Ricardo Rontal and Roel Guillermo completing the podium.
Male and female champions were awarded the overall tour trophies, with podium recognition also given to the 2nd and 3rd place finishers in both categories. All other participants who did not place on the podium received finisher’s medals.The awarding ceremony was led by Mr. Kiko Dagohoy, Government Relations Officer of NLEX, on behalf of NLEX President and General Manager Luis S. Reñon.
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.
