By MARK REY MONTEJO
The mad, exciting, and lung-busting races and the big crowd lining up on both sides leading to the finish line would be back. And yes, the shining bikes, too.
Also don’t forget, the long and winding roads, different terrains and the captivating views a city or town can offer to its visitors and to the so-called “Boys of Summer”.
That’s because the fabled Tour of Luzon is back, revived after years of hiatus –thanks immensely to Metro Pacific Tollways Corporation Chairman and CEO Manny V. Pangilinan.
So expect many great and exciting stories to be weaved together as Filipino riders seek greatness in the 8-day saga on wheels that would be capped off by a punishing climb to Camp John Hay in Baguio City.
“The Tour of Luzon is not just a race, it is a symbol of grandness and nobility. Its greatness lies in its vision—a vision that dared to conquer the impossible through sheer force of will, discipline, and determination,’’ said Pangilinan.
“It has been my lifelong dream to see the first Filipino cyclist compete in the Tour de France. Reviving the Tour of Luzon is a vital step toward achieving that dream. It is about breaking barrriers, one “impossible’’ challenge at a time,’’ said Pangilinan.
Even Philippine Olympic Committee and Philcycling head Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino expressed his gratefulness to the Pangilinan’s generosity, saying: “With this great revival finally… buti nalang nandito kayo at na-revive natin ‘tong Tour of Luzon.”
“In behalf of the entire cycling community, maraming salamat,” he added.
The classic event is slated from April 23 to May 1 and will feature beautiful and historic cities around Luzon region, including Vigan, Agoo, Clark, Lingayen, and Baguio City.
Filipino riders from 12 local-based teams have already confirmed participation with three foreign squads from Southeast Asia asking to be invited to the bikathon where they will pedal for 1,050 kilometers of vibrant scenery on high-speed routes, coastal roads, mountain passes and even urban areas.
“The news about the Tour of Luzon’s revival has gone overseas, may mga foreign teams na gustong sumali,” said competition commissaire Lorenzo Lomibao Jr.
“The Queen Stage, where the men are going to be separated from the boys, where the mind must be at its toughest to make the body work at its best,” said Patrick Gregorio, chairman of DuckWorld PH.
Other teams include UCI Continental groups in 7-Eleven Roadbike PH, Standard Insurance PH, Victoria Cycling Team, Go-For-Gold, and Philippine Army while dometic squads are composed of Excellent Noodles, D’Reyna, Dandex Multi-Sports, and MPT DriveHub or ETC.
The prize pool is around P1.5 million and there are also special awards to be given to particular racers.
