The MPTC Tour of Luzon 2026 returns this summer with 14 stages covering 13 provinces and five regions of Luzon, totaling 1,815.8 kilometers. Riders will face brutal climbs, breakneck sprints, and challenging routes that test both climbers and sprinters.

Tour CEO Arrey Perez emphasized the role of teamwork in the general classification, highlighting how domestiques will play a crucial role in supporting their team leaders throughout the grueling stages.

Punishing climbs and sprints define the route

Dubbed “A Heritage in Motion,” the tour starts April 29 at CaSobe in Calatagan and travels north through Central Luzon and Cagayan Valley. It then heads west through the Ilocos and Cordillera regions, culminating in the final Stage 14 at John Hay Hotels in Baguio City on May 13.

The 14-stage race includes 25 King of the Mountain climbs and 16 sprints. Stage 1 goes from Calatagan to Tagaytay City (150.10 km), followed by Stage 2’s Clark to New Clark City team time trial (43.40 km). Subsequent stages include New Clark City to Palayan City, Palayan City to Bayombong, and Santiago City to Tuguegarao City.

Stage 6 is the longest, stretching 228.90 km from Tuguegarao City to Pagudpud with two KOM points. Stage 7 features a 22.90 km individual time trial in Pagudpud, followed by a rest day. Later stages include Pagudpud to Paoay, Laoag to Candon City, Candon to Bessang Pass, and the final queen stage from Lingayen to John Hay Hotels via Kennon Road.

International participation and local support

Five foreign squads have registered so far, with the 20-team benchmark of seven riders per team potentially expanding as inquiries continue. Registration details were announced at the Philippine Sportswriters Association Forum.

Local government units in Batangas, Cavite, Pampanga, Nueva Ecija, Nueva Vizcaya, Isabela, Cagayan, Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, La Union, Pangasinan, and Benguet have welcomed the tour, signaling strong support and excitement for both athletes and spectators.

Organizers have also prepared an animated route guide on the Tour of Luzon website, giving fans and participants a detailed preview of the 2026 course.