AGOO, La Union (PIA) – Stage 4 of the Tour of Luzon 2025: The Great Revival kicked off in Agoo, La Union, on April 27, shining a spotlight on the race’s goal to discover and develop future members of the national cycling team.
Philippine Olympic Committee President Abraham Tolentino said that the tour is more than a race, as it is also about searching for future national athletes.
He emphasized that the competition offers local talents a rare opportunity to be recognized and potentially join the country’s elite cyclists.
The fourth stage began at the Eagle of the North Park in Barangay San Agustin, Agoo.
The stage covers a 162.97-kilometer route ending in Clark, Pampanga.
The revived Tour of Luzon, one of the country’s oldest and most prestigious cycling events, dates back to 1955.
It has been a launching pad for many top Filipino cyclists.
The last edition of the race was held in 2010.
This year’s race features both elite and up-and-coming riders.
The country’s four Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) Continental teams—7-Eleven Cliqq Roadbike Philippines, Standard Insurance Philippines, Go For Gold Philippines, and Victoria Sports Pro Cycling Team—are joined by international squads from Singapore, Indonesia, Vietnam, Thailand, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Taiwan, and South Korea.
Local teams such as Team Pangasinan, One Cycling Mindanao, Crest Forwarder (1Team Visayas), Excellent Noodles, and D’Reyna Pro Cycling are also fielding rising homegrown talents.
Local government support
To support the event, Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Jonvic Remulla issued a memorandum directing all local government units (LGUs) along the race route to ensure public safety, provide basic services, and offer alternate routes for motorists.
“All local government units and their officials are hereby enjoined to ensure the orderly and peaceful conduct of the event,” Remulla said.
Patrick Gregorio, chairperson of DuckWorld PH and organizer of the 2025 Tour of Luzon, meanwhile expressed his gratitude to the local government for supporting the fourth stage of the tour.
“I would like to thank the town of Agoo for its genuine hospitality in hosting the Metro Pacific Tollways Corporation (MPTC) 2025 Tour of Luzon. This is a great revival. It would have been hard to pull this off without the support of the LGUs,” Gregorio said.
He also shared that the tour aims to help revive sports tourism in Northern Luzon and inspire young people to take up cycling.
“First, it’s about promoting sports tourism. Second, it’s about encouraging young kids to get into the sport. Cycling is one area where the Philippines can truly excel. Our young athletes can do it,” he added.
Landerson Nebres, a participant from Biñan, Laguna, advised aspiring cyclists to invest time and effort if they want to succeed.
“If they want to compete in this tour, they need to be persistent and have passion and love for what they do,” Nebres said.
The tour will pass through 60 cities and municipalities across North and Central Luzon, including Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, La Union, and Pangasinan.
In the Ilocos Region, the race not only promotes cycling but also showcases its scenic coastlines, highlighting its tourism potential.
With four more stages ahead, the Tour of Luzon continues and will culminate in the mountains of Baguio City. (AMB/CCMT, PIA La Union)
