PAGUDPUD,Philippines — Nikita Shulchenko of LCW UAE Cycle Team delivered a dominant performance in Stage 7 of the MPTC Tour of Luzon 2026, winning the individual time trial with a clear time of 30 minutes and 6 seconds.

Shulchenko, a Russian rider and current Yellow Jersey holder, outclassed the field on the open course. Starting last, he quickly erased any doubt about the outcome, even overtaking rivals, including Antoine Huby of 7-Eleven Cliqq Roadbike Philippines Team, along the route despite being the last to be released from the starting point.

Yousef Ibrahiem Alrefai of LCW UAE Cycle Team, who also leads the Best Young Rider classification, secured second place while time trialist Kyeong Ho Min of Seoul CyclingTeam finished third, completing a strong showing for the international contingent.

Pre-race favorites and national winner struggled to match the pace. Nash Joshua Lim of MPT Drivehub Pro Cycling Team and last year’s time trial stage winner Joseph Javiniar of Excellent Noodles Cycling Team were unable to challenge the top finishers against the foreign riders.

Despite the result, the stage reshaped the overall standings. Mervin Corpuz of 7-Eleven Cliqq Roadbike Philippines Team climbed from fifth to third overall, while teammate Ronnilan Quita moved up from sixth to fourth.

Two more Filipino riders made significant gains. Nash Joshua Lim rose from 17th to seventh overall, while Rustom Lim of MPT Drivehub Pro Cycling Team jumped from 16th to eighth, using the time trial to improve their positions and stay within reach of theleaders.

Shulchenko and Alrefai now control the general classification, opening a gap of around four minutes. With two crucial King of the Mountain stages ahead, including Bessang Pass and the Baguio leg, the race remains far from over as climbers prepare to challenge for the title.