Tagaytay City will welcome more than 600 athletes set to compete in the 45th Asian Cycling Confederation Track Cycling Championships and the 14th Asian Para Track Cycling Championships scheduled from March 25 to 31 at the Tagaytay CT Velodrome.

The continental event marks a historic return for the Philippines as host of the Asian track championships for the first time in three decades. Cyclists from across Asia will compete in a week-long series of events at the International Cycling Union-standard 250-meter indoor track facility.

PhilCycling president Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino said the tournament represents a major step in reviving track cycling in the country while promoting sports tourism through international competition.

“We’ll put our best foot forward as we slingshot the return of track cycling in our country,” Tolentino said during a regular inspection of preparations at the velodrome.

The official, who also serves as president of the Philippine Olympic Committee, added that the event will bring some of Asia’s top cyclists to the Philippines.

Asian cycling powers headline Tagaytay competition

Nineteen countries are set to participate in the championships, with several regional cycling powerhouses sending large delegations.

China and Hong Kong-China will field the biggest contingents with 50 athletes each. India follows with 48 cyclists while South Korea brings a 43-member squad to the competition.

The championships are backed by the Philippine Sports Commission, the City of Tagaytay led by Mayor Brent Tolentino, and the MVP Sports Foundation.

The Philippines last hosted the Asian track championships in 1995 at the Amoranto Velodrome in Quezon City. That facility has since been demolished and converted into a football pitch, leaving the Tagaytay CT Velodrome as the country’s only world-class indoor track cycling venue.

Multiple medals at stake in continental cycling meet

A total of 44 gold medals will be contested in the Asian Track Cycling Championships, while the Asian Para Track Cycling Championships will offer 30 gold medals during the same competition period.

Teams are expected to begin arriving in Tagaytay this week as preparations continue for the major continental sporting event.

Filipino cyclists will face stiff competition against many of Asia’s best riders, including athletes with strong international experience.

The ACC championships will feature several track cycling events including the individual pursuit, team pursuit, sprint, keirin, elimination race, omnium, points race, scratch race, Madison, and the 1-kilometer time trial for both men’s and women’s divisions.

Meanwhile, the para track cycling competitions will include the individual pursuit, 1,000-meter time trial, sprint, elimination race, scratch race, and mixed team and tandem sprint events.

The tournament is expected to highlight the Philippines’ growing role as a regional host for major sporting events while providing local cyclists with the opportunity to compete against top-level international opponents.