Philippine cycling takes a monumental step forward as Ronald Oranza and Jermyn Prado, two of the country’s top cycling veterans, officially inaugurate the Tagaytay City Velodrome—the first indoor UCI-standard cycling facility in the Philippines. The ceremony, held on June 23, 2025, is part of a celebration that honors Olympic Day, World Bicycle Day, and Tagaytay City’s 87th Charter Day.

During the ceremony, Oranza and Prado, both multiple international medalists, were given the honor to be the first to ride the 250-meter indoor velodrome. The duo circled the track waving the Philippine and PhilCycling flags, symbolizing the country’s commitment to advancing its cycling programs and infrastructure.

A Vision for Philippine Cycling’s Future

The event was presided over by Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino, president of the Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) and PhilCycling, who also serves as the mayor of Tagaytay City. Tolentino emphasized the importance of the Tagaytay City Velodrome, stating, “This is to formally and officially announce the formal opening of the Tagaytay City Velodrome, the first of its kind in the country and one that’s of UCI standard.”

Tolentino further highlighted that Tagaytay City is now home to multiple international-standard sports facilities, including tracks for BMX Racing, Freestyle Skateboarding, and combat sports, further strengthening the city’s reputation as a key sports hub in the country.

Postponement of the Baguio City-Tagaytay City PhilCycling Classic

The velodrome opening also coincided with the postponement of the Baguio City-Tagaytay City PhilCycling Classic, a 292-kilometer endurance road race scheduled to start at Camp John Hay and finish at the velodrome. The race, which was part of the celebration, had to be moved to November 11, 2025, due to unpredictable weather conditions, including scattered thunderstorms and monsoon rains. Metro Pacific Tollways Corp. also announced unscheduled repairs along parts of the North Luzon Expressway that affected the race route.

Despite the setback, Tolentino shared his enthusiasm for the rescheduled event, which will now highlight the Send Off and Pep Rally for Team Philippines ahead of the 33rd Southeast Asian Games in Thailand this December. “We are setting the pace for a renaissance in Philippine cycling in track discipline,” said Tolentino, noting that the event would be a significant moment for the country’s cycling team.

A Boost for the SEA Games and the Philippines’ Cycling Future

This event underscores the growing momentum in Philippine cycling, particularly in the track discipline. Tolentino expressed confidence that the newly inaugurated velodrome will provide the necessary infrastructure for future training and competitions, including the Philippines’ push for medals in the Southeast Asian Games.

As part of the opening ceremony, nine athletes also signed contracts for the Olympic Solidarity Scholarship and Grants Program, securing training scholarships for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics. Additionally, 12 athletes were awarded the Support Grant for Continental Athletes, further bolstering the country’s Olympic ambitions.

Looking Forward to the Future

The Tagaytay City Velodrome is a beacon of hope for the future of Philippine cycling. This UCI-standard facility will undoubtedly serve as a key training ground for the next generation of cyclists, providing the infrastructure necessary for athletes to compete on the world stage.

As the country looks ahead to the 2028 Olympics and future competitions, the dedication to developing local athletes and ensuring access to top-tier training facilities will be instrumental in Philippine cycling’s continued success.