French rider Antoine Huby of 7Eleven Cliqq Roadbike Philippines Team continued towrite one of the biggest stories of the MPTC Tour of Luzon 2026 after delivering another dominant mountain performance in Stage 12, conquering the demanding route from Agoo, La Union to Mangatarem with a stunning solo finish victory in a time of 3 hours, 17 minutes, and 37 seconds.

Huby launched a decisive attack in the latter part of the mountain stage and once again proved his climbing strength against the race’s top contenders. The French rider’s victory significantly shortened the gap in the Individual General Classification to just 2 minutes and 30 seconds behind Yellow Jersey holder Nikita Shulchenko of LCW UAE Cycle Team.

Despite losing time to Huby, Shulchenko managed to stay composed and secured second place in the stage, further protecting his overall lead heading into the final crucial stages of the race. Erickson Delos Santos of Dreyna Orion Cement Pro Cycling Team delivered a strong performance for the Filipino riders, claiming third place on the Stage 12 podium.

Ronnilan Quita of 7Eleven Cliqq Roadbike Philippines Team successfully retained the Individual Mountain Classification polka dot jersey after another consistent climbing display, while Ivan Anisimov of LCW UAE Cycle Team continued to hold the Individual Points Classification.

Huby’s aggressive racing style once again earned him the Most Combative Rider honors, while Yousef Ibrahiem Alrefai of LCW UAE Cycle Team maintained control of the Best Young Rider Classification White Jersey.

In the Team General Classification, 7Eleven Cliqq Roadbike Philippines Team remained firmly on top after another commanding collective effort in the mountains.

The latest Individual General Classification standings now show Huby closing dangerously on Shulchenko, with Alrefai climbing into third overall, followed by Mazlin in fourth place. Quita also continues to remain within striking distance as the Filipino climber sustains his strong campaign in the tour’s decisive stages.

Stage 12 may have started to shape the likely overall podium contenders, but the battle is far from finished. With the second-to-the-last stage set to feature an Individual Time Trial, riders capable of banking crucial seconds against the clock could still dramatically alter the standings.

The current overall classification also highlights the growing possibility of another foreign rider eventually capturing the MPTC Tour of Luzon 2026 crown. However, the race remains far from decided until the final gantry in Baguio is dismantled.

Cycling fans also continue to remember last year’s dramatic finish involving defending champion Joo Dae Yeong of Gapyeong Cycling Team, whose campaign was heavily affected by a sudden mechanical problem that ultimately resulted in a heartbreaking 6-second gap defeat.

Despite the current standings and shifting momentum among the contenders, the final mountain battle in Baguio still stands as the ultimate decision maker of this year’s MPTC Tour of Luzon 2026.