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Saturday, May 30, 2026
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Joo Dae Yeong Clinches Title at Revived 2025 Tour of Luzon
Korean cyclist secures victory amidst fierce competition in mountain stages.
BAGUIO CITY – Joo Dae Yeong of the Gapyeong Cycling Team emerged victorious at the 2025 Tour of Luzon, showcasing remarkable endurance and skill in one of the closest local cycling races in history.
On May 1, during Stage 8, Joo completed the challenging 177.54-kilometer route from Lingayen, Pangasinan, to Camp John Hay in 4 hours, 21 minutes, and 31 seconds, adding the overall individual title to his achievements with a cumulative time of 22 hours, 21 minutes, and 8 seconds over eight stages of the competition.
At 28 years old, Joo, a two-time national champion from Korea, exhibited fortitude by continuing the race despite suffering a rear tire puncture.
His performance was marked by consistently strong riding, which allowed him to maintain the yellow jersey throughout the event, even when three of his four teammates were unable to continue after a crash in Stage 6.
“I’m not thinking that much about the yellow jersey.
I just kept on going,” stated Joo, acknowledging the strength of his competitors.
His victory was backed by a significant cash prize of P1 million.
Jan Paul Morales from Standard Insurance, a notable competitor in previous cycling events and a multiple champion of Ronda Pilipinas, finished second in the general classification with a time of 22 hours, 21 minutes, and 14 seconds, just 6 seconds behind Joo.
Morales capitalized on his experience navigating the difficult terrain near the Lion’s Head, although he faced challenges, including a crash during Stage 1 that impacted his performance.
Mervin Corpuz from MPT Drivehub briefly held the overall lead at one point during the stage but ultimately could not sustain the pace in the last 15 kilometers.
Joshua Pascual of Excellent Noodles won the stage, clocking in at 4 hours, 16 minutes, and 14 seconds, earning the title of “Eagle of the Mountain.”
The overall top ten standings include: Jonel Carcueva from MPT Drivehub in third place (22:22:00), followed by Nichol Pareja of Victoria Sports (22:22:02), Jeremy Lizardo from Standard Insurance (22:23:40), Rench Michael Bondoc from 7-eleven Roadbike (22:24:15), James Paul Escumbien from Go for Gold (22:24:42), Jerico Lucero from Standard Insurance (22:24:50), Ronald Oranza from Standard Insurance (22:24:53), and Rustom Lim from MPT Drivehub (22:25:50).
In the team general classification, MPT Drivehub secured the top position with a time of 88:22:02, also earning a cash prize of P1 million, while Standard Insurance finished in second place, just 11 seconds slower.
On May 1, during Stage 8, Joo completed the challenging 177.54-kilometer route from Lingayen, Pangasinan, to Camp John Hay in 4 hours, 21 minutes, and 31 seconds, adding the overall individual title to his achievements with a cumulative time of 22 hours, 21 minutes, and 8 seconds over eight stages of the competition.
At 28 years old, Joo, a two-time national champion from Korea, exhibited fortitude by continuing the race despite suffering a rear tire puncture.
His performance was marked by consistently strong riding, which allowed him to maintain the yellow jersey throughout the event, even when three of his four teammates were unable to continue after a crash in Stage 6.
“I’m not thinking that much about the yellow jersey.
I just kept on going,” stated Joo, acknowledging the strength of his competitors.
His victory was backed by a significant cash prize of P1 million.
Jan Paul Morales from Standard Insurance, a notable competitor in previous cycling events and a multiple champion of Ronda Pilipinas, finished second in the general classification with a time of 22 hours, 21 minutes, and 14 seconds, just 6 seconds behind Joo.
Morales capitalized on his experience navigating the difficult terrain near the Lion’s Head, although he faced challenges, including a crash during Stage 1 that impacted his performance.
Mervin Corpuz from MPT Drivehub briefly held the overall lead at one point during the stage but ultimately could not sustain the pace in the last 15 kilometers.
Joshua Pascual of Excellent Noodles won the stage, clocking in at 4 hours, 16 minutes, and 14 seconds, earning the title of “Eagle of the Mountain.”
The overall top ten standings include: Jonel Carcueva from MPT Drivehub in third place (22:22:00), followed by Nichol Pareja of Victoria Sports (22:22:02), Jeremy Lizardo from Standard Insurance (22:23:40), Rench Michael Bondoc from 7-eleven Roadbike (22:24:15), James Paul Escumbien from Go for Gold (22:24:42), Jerico Lucero from Standard Insurance (22:24:50), Ronald Oranza from Standard Insurance (22:24:53), and Rustom Lim from MPT Drivehub (22:25:50).
In the team general classification, MPT Drivehub secured the top position with a time of 88:22:02, also earning a cash prize of P1 million, while Standard Insurance finished in second place, just 11 seconds slower.
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