The MPTC Tour of Luzon reaffirmed its partnership with Cardinal Santos Medical Center to provide medical support and ensure rider safety in the 2026 edition of the country's historic cycling race.
The Metro Pacific Tollways Corporation (MPTC) Tour of Luzon 2026 strengthened its commitment to rider safety, renewing its partnership with Cardinal Santos Medical Center (CSMC) for the highly-anticipated revival of the country’s historic cycling race.
The agreement was formalized Tuesday during a memorandum of agreement (MOA) at the Philippine Center for Advanced Surgery of Cardinal Santos Medical Center, ensuring comprehensive medical support for cyclists and members of the race entourage throughout the competition.
MPTC Tour of Luzon CEO and Chief Organizer Arrey Perez emphasized that safety remains a top priority as the event brings together top riders from the Philippines and abroad.
"As we bring together top athletes from the Philippines and abroad, safety is our top priority. Cardinal Santos' expertise gives us the confidence to deliver an exciting journey across Luzon’s iconic destinations," said Perez.
"This partnership goes beyond the racetrack. It also highlights the Philippines' ability to host a premier sporting event with care and excellence. We're proud to have Cardinal Santos’ support as we prepare to make this year’s Tour of Luzon another unforgettable experience," he added.
As the race's official medical partner, Cardinal Santos Medical Center will provide extensive medical services along the route, in coordination with partner hospitals across Luzon.
CSMC President and CEO Raul Pagdanganan said their teams will be deployed across the race to ensure the safety and well-being of all participants.
"As the official medical partner of the Tour of Luzon, Cardinal Santos Medical Center, together with our partner hospitals across Luzon, will be stationed along the route," Pagdanganan said.
“Our medical teams will be ready from the northern roads down to the southern highways, prepared to respond whenever and wherever they are needed."
Pagdanganan added that their primary goal is to ensure a safe race for everyone involved.
"Our wish is simple — a fast, exciting, and safe race for everyone. We hope there will be no injuries and no accidents, just pure competition and incredible performances from our cyclists. But if the unexpected happens, we will be ready."
Under the partnership, CSMC will deploy medical teams, first aid stations, emergency response units, and transport services throughout the multi-stage race to provide immediate assistance when necessary.
The signing ceremony was attended by several key officials, including SDMI Sports President Danica Khaye Baltzar, MAD Management Inc. Chief Operating Officer Madeleine Guico, CSMC Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer Marivic Mabuti, and CSMC Chief Medical Officer Dr. Antonio Say.
The MPTC Tour of Luzon 2026: Heritage in Motion will feature 140 riders from 20 teams competing in a 14-stage international cycling race scheduled from April 29 to May 13, 2026.
The race will span approximately 2,000 kilometers across 13 provinces, showcasing Luzon’s scenic landscapes while highlighting Filipino cycling talent.
[ALSO READ: South Korea's Joo Dae Yeong crowned MPTC Tour of Luzon king]
The race opens with Stage 1 from Calatagan, Batangas to Tagaytay City, followed by Stage 2 in Clark for the team time trial, and Stage 3 from Clark to Palayan.
The following stages will take riders through Palayan to Santiago (Stage 4), Santiago to Tuguegarao (Stage 5), Tuguegarao to Pagudpud (Stage 6), Pagudpud to Pagudpud (Stage 7), Pagudpud to Paoay (Stage 8), Laoag to Candon City (Stage 9), and Candon to Candon City (Stage 10).
The final stretch includes Stage 11 from Candon to San Juan City, Stage 12 from Subic to Mangatarem, Stage 13’s individual time trial in Lingayen, and the concluding Stage 14 from Lingayen to Camp John Hay in Baguio City.
The race offers a P1 million prize for the individual champion and P2 million for the overall team champion, as organizers aim to build on the successful revival of the legendary cycling tour.
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Kiko Demigillo’s journey in sports storytelling began with a deep passion for games and athletes, which eventually grew into a full-fledged career.
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