More than 500 cyclists are set to converge on Tagaytay City for the PhilCycling National Championships for Road, starting Monday, February 24, 2025. This highly anticipated event will feature a series of criterium races, individual time trials (ITT), and road races, spanning multiple categories including Men and Women Elite, Under-23, Junior, and Youth divisions.
Event Overview
The championships, presented by the MVP Sports Foundation and Standard Insurance, are organized by PhilCycling under the leadership of Tagaytay City Mayor Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino, who also serves as the president of the Philippine Olympic Committee. With 111 riders in the Men Elite, 133 in the Under-23, 116 in the Junior, and a combined 97 in the Youth divisions, the event promises intense competition that will shape the national road team for the year.
Race Formats and Venues
Criterium Races in Tagaytay:
- Circuit: A 2.1-kilometer loop on Isaac Tolentino Avenue, Acle, Mahogany, and Crisanto Tolentino streets
- Start-Finish: Praying Hands monument
- Categories: All divisions (Elite, Under-23, Junior, Youth) will compete in the criterium races, with women’s rosters being finalized on Sunday morning during team meetings at Sigtuna Hall inside the Tagaytay City Atrium.
Individual Time Trials and Road Races in Batangas:
- Location: Nasugbu and Tuy, Batangas
- Route: The ITT and Road races will take place over a 44-kilometer circuit with the start-finish area set in Barangay Putol in Tuy, while the route extends along the national highways in Nasugbu, Balayan, and Lian.
- Support: The championships in Batangas are backed by local mayors from Tuy, Balayan, Nasugbu, and Lian, ensuring strong regional support for the event.
The championships are not only a showcase of athletic talent but also a demonstration of community support, with backing from Tagaytay City, Excellent Noodles, and the Philippine Sports Commission. This extensive support underscores the importance of the event in promoting cycling and developing the national road team.
As the races begin in Tagaytay, all eyes will be on the performance of the cyclists who could represent the country on the international stage. The event is expected to be a key milestone in the cycling calendar, contributing to the growth and recognition of the sport in the Philippines.
