China, Chinese-Taipei and South Korea asserted their dominance as the ACC Track Championships unfolded, with elite performances highlighting the opening races. At the same time, the Tagaytay CT Velodrome reached a major milestone after being certified as a UCI Category A facility.

The certification, confirmed through a homologation document signed by UCI Track and Indoor Cycling Manager Jessika Grand Bois, elevates the Philippines as a legitimate host of top-tier international cycling events. The recognition came just before the start of the 16-nation, 600-athlete competition, the country’s first time hosting the meet in 31 years.

PhilCycling president Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino welcomed the development, emphasizing its long-term impact on Philippine cycling. He noted that the Category A status now allows the country to bid for world cups and even world championships in track cycling.

China dominates early medal races

China wasted no time asserting its strength by sweeping the sprint gold medals in both the men’s and women’s elite divisions. The Chinese men clocked 42.981 seconds, with Hong Kong taking silver after Japan failed to finish.

The Chinese women matched that dominance, winning gold in 46.806 seconds ahead of Malaysia and South Korea. Their commanding performances underscored China’s depth and preparation heading into the continental meet.

Chinese-Taipei also delivered a standout showing in the junior ranks, capturing the men’s team sprint gold with a 45.314-second finish. The trio narrowly edged South Korea by just 0.012 seconds in one of the closest races of the day.

South Korea, however, responded in the women’s junior team sprint, securing gold with a time of 50.076 seconds while leaving India and Malaysia behind.

Philippines gains experience on home track

Kazakhstan added to the list of champions with a near-flawless performance in the team pursuit, followed by Chinese-Taipei and Uzbekistan. China’s elite squad also ruled the event, clocking 3:48.14 to outpace Japan with a consistent and relentless tempo.

For Team Philippines, the championships served as a crucial learning experience against world-class competition. Despite falling short of podium finishes, the local riders showed improvement and resilience throughout their races.

“The disappointments are expected, but the good thing about the team is that the riders bettered themselves from training,” said national coach Virgilio Espiritu.

The Filipino squad fielded young riders across categories, including Prince Andrei Pedragosa, Asher Job Albo and Kaizel Jizmundo in the men’s junior team sprint, while Marlen Marasigan, Althea Mae Campana and Angeline Elvira competed in the women’s division.

In the elite ranks, Matt Andrei Gonzalo, Archie Cardana and Marcus Gabriel Ricalde carried the fight for the host nation, gaining valuable exposure against Asia’s best.

With the Tagaytay Velodrome now recognized at the highest level and Filipino riders gaining experience, the ACC Track Championships mark a significant step forward for cycling in the Philippines.