Maritanya Krogg remained unstoppable in the local cycling scene after a dominant performance in the Women’s Youth (under-17) division, while Ronnel Hualda showed his experience and grit in a sprint finish to rule the Men’s Masters B (40-up) on Day 1 of the PhilCycling Tagaytay City Criterium 2025 held Wednesday, June 25.

Krogg crossed the finish line 39 seconds ahead of silver medalist Yvaine Osias and nearly a full minute in front of third-placer Princess Jaydee Pancho on the Crisanto de los Reyes Avenue loop. The victory, another feather in her cap after winning gold in the PhilCycling National Road Championships and Batang Pinoy Nationals, also earned her a cash prize of P3,000.

The event is staged by PhilCycling in partnership with the MVP Sports Foundation, Philippine Olympic Committee, and the City of Tagaytay, led by POC and PhilCycling president Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino.

In the Men’s Masters B race, Hualda outpaced veterans Romeo Camingao and Marc Galedo in a tight sprint over a 2.1-km rectangular route covering major Tagaytay roads, including Isaac Tolentino and Mahogany Avenues. Hualda earned P5,000, while Camingao and Galedo received P3,000 and P2,000, respectively.

Other Day 1 winners included Daniel Cortero in the Men’s Youth (under-17), while Juan Carlos Barrios ruled the Men’s Masters A (30-39), joined on the podium by Leonel Dimaano and Joey de los Reyes.

The event serves as a prelude to Thursday’s Under-23 races and Friday’s Elite competitions, with national ranking points and cash prizes at stake. Races are also held in front of the newly inaugurated Tagaytay City Velodrome, the Philippines’ first indoor 250-meter UCI-standard wooden track.