The MPTC Tour of Luzon 2026 has partnered with the Philippine Sports Institute to strengthen athlete development and race performance through a structured five-leg webinar series starting April 6. The initiative targets participating cyclists and coaches, offering science-based guidance ahead of the multi-stage race set from April 29 to May 13.

The collaboration outlines both the timing and purpose of the program, with organizers aiming to elevate preparation standards while reinforcing athlete welfare. It also signals a broader push to integrate sports science into one of the country’s premier cycling events.

“The webinar will focus on practical strategies to enhance training, race day performance and recovery, which provides the additional layer of support for the participating teams,” said Pearl Managuelod, Institute Director of the Philippine Sports Institute. She added that the sessions are designed to equip teams with tools they can immediately apply.

As the sports science and training arm of the Philippine Sports Commission, PSI plays a central role in developing high-performance systems for Filipino athletes. Its involvement brings structured expertise to both coaching and athlete care throughout the competition period.

PSI support expands beyond webinars

The webinar series will feature sessions lasting up to 75 minutes, covering key areas such as heat and humidity adaptation, hydration and nutrition strategies, training load management, recovery for multi-stage races, mental toughness, team communication, and anti-doping education. These topics address the demands riders face across long and physically taxing stages.

Arrey Perez, chief executive officer and chief organizer of the MPTC Tour of Luzon, said the partnership reflects the event’s continued evolution. He emphasized that improvements are not limited to race logistics but extend to the overall well-being of participants.

“We are very glad that the PSC, through PSI, extends this kind of partnership with us,” Perez said. “Year in and year out, we see new partners, upgrading not only the actual race but also the holistic safety and well-being of the athletes.”

Beyond the virtual sessions, PSI will provide on-ground support across all 14 stages of the race, ensuring that athletes receive consistent guidance from start to finish. This includes real-time application of the concepts introduced during the webinars.

Comprehensive athlete care rolled out for race

The expanded support system will include hydration monitoring, individualized fueling plans, and education aligned with anti-doping standards. These measures are designed to help riders maintain peak condition throughout the grueling race calendar.

Sports psychology services will also be available, with daily consultations and athlete care programs aimed at strengthening mental resilience during competition. The inclusion of mental preparation reflects a more holistic approach to performance.

In addition, sports physiotherapy services will cover injury prevention screening, recovery treatments, and coordination with medical teams assigned to the event. These efforts are expected to minimize injury risks while accelerating recovery between stages.

With the partnership in place, the MPTC Tour of Luzon 2026 continues to position itself as a leading cycling event in the Philippines. The integration of sports science, athlete care, and performance-focused programs underscores its commitment to delivering a safer and more advanced competitive environment.