Lingayen, Philippines — The first-ever Tour de Pangasinan officially flagged off in Umingan, uniting 126 cyclists from across the province’s six districts. Spearheaded by the Provincial Government of Pangasinan, the event marks a significant milestone in Pangasinan’s sports tourism, held in celebration of Araw ng Kalayaan with the spirited theme, “Padyak sa Kalayaan.”
Beyond the thrill of the race, the Tour de Pangasinan stands as a testament to the province’s commitment to sustainability. By promoting cycling as a viable alternative to motorized transport, the event actively supports government efforts to address energy concerns while advocating for healthier, greener lifestyles and reduced carbon emissions.
Before the race commenced, Umingan Mayor Chris Evert Tadeo-Leynes welcomed participants and spectators, while Provincial Sports Coordinator Leopoldo C. Arnaiz highlighted how the race builds character. Governor Ramon “Mon-Mon” V. Guico III delivered an inspiring message, emphasizing that biking is one of the healthiest and most efficient modes of transportation. He further announced that the Tour de Pangasinan will now become an annual provincial tradition.
“Biking is one of the healthiest and best modalities of transportation,” Governor Guico stated. “So natutuwa ako na kahit papaano [ay] marami pa rin sa atin dito, sa ating lalawigan ng Pangasinan, and cycling enthusiast, kaya naisipp po namin na gawin ito taon-taon”
(I am pleased to see so many cycling enthusiasts here in our province, which is why we have decided to make this a yearly activity)
At exactly 9:00 AM, the peloton pushed off, embarking on a grueling 13-town journey. The route traced the heart of the province, passing through Balungao, Rosales, Santo Tomas, Villasis, Malasiqui, Bayambang, Basista, Urbiztondo, Mangatarem, Aguilar, Bugallon, and Labrador, before reaching the finish line in Lingayen.
Through varying terrains and challenging conditions, the cyclists displayed the grit and perseverance synonymous with the Pangasinense spirit. After more than three hours of intense racing, the podiums were determined:
Race Results:
| BEST YOUNG RIDER | |||||
| RANK | BIB NUMBER | NAME | DISTRICT – TEAM | AGE | TIME |
| 1 | 108 | Hurly Davidson Fernandez | D6 – T1 | 18 | 3:09:34 |
| 2 | 1 | Angelico James Sepelgio | D1 – T1 | 21 | 3:09:35 , TIME DIFF 0:00:01 |
| 3 | 66 | Adrian D. Buctot | D4 – T1 | 16 | 3:09:35 , TIME DIFF 0:00:01 |
| SPRINT KING | ||||
| RANK | BIB NUMBER | NAME | DISTRICT – TEAM | AGE |
| 1 | 28 | Ronyl P. Erquiza | D2 – T1 | 20 |
| 2 | 61 | Ericson G. Delos Santos | D3 – Team Mapandan / Sta. Barbara | 23 |
| 3 | 47 | Piolo D. Calimlim | D3 – Team Malasiqui | 17 |
| KING OF THE MOUNTAIN | ||||
| RANK | BIB NUMBER | NAME | DISTRICT – TEAM | AGE |
| 1 | 85 | Ronald N. Oranza | D5 – T1 | 33 |
| 2 | 65 | Kenneth T. Maramba | D4 – T1 | 27 |
| 3 | 61 | Ericson G. Delos Santos | D3 – Team Mapandan/ Sta. Barbara | 23 |
| MOST COMBATIVE RIDER | ||||
| RANK | BIB NUMBER | NAME | DISTRICT – TEAM | AGE |
| 1 | 61 | Ericson G. Delos Santos | D3 – Team Mapandan/ Sta. Barbara | 23 |
| INDIVIDUAL GENERAL CLASSIFICATION | |||||
| RANK | BIB NUMBER | NAME | DISTRICT – TEAM | AGE | TIME |
| 1 | 108 | Hurly Davidson Fernandez | D6 – T1 | 18 | 3:09:34 |
| 2 | 85 | Ronald N. Oranza | D5 – T1 | 33 | 3:09:35 , TIME DIFF 0:00:01 |
| 3 | 65 | Kenneth T. Maramba | D4 – T1 | 27 | 3:09:35 , TIME DIFF 0:00:01 |
| 4 | 1 | Angelico James Sepelagio | D1 – T1 | 21 | 3:09:35 , TIME DIFF 0:00:01 |
| 5 | 116 | Dennis B. Gabaldon | D6 – T2 | 31 | 3:09:35 , TIME DIFF 0:00:01 |
| 6 | 66 | Adrian D. Buctot | D4 – T1 | 16 | 3:09:35 , TIME DIFF 0:00:01 |
| 7 | 96 | John Vincent M. Rubio | D5 – T2 | 19 | 3:09:35 , TIME DIFF 0:00:01 |
| 8 | 121 | Jefferson J. Valdez | D6 – T3 | 47 | 3:09:36, TIME DIFF 0:00:02 |
| 9 | 47 | Piolo D. Calimlim | D3 – Team Malasiqui | 17 | 3:09:36, TIME DIFF 0:00:02 |
| 10 | 122 | Jeric L. Balanag | D6 – T3 | 20 | 3:09:36, TIME DIFF 0:00:02 |
| TEAM CLASSIFICATION | ||
| RANK | DISTRICT – TEAM | COMBINED TIME |
| 1 | District 5 – Team 2 | 12:38:28 |
| 2 | District 6 – Team 3 | 12:38:29 |
| 3 | District 3 – Team 3 | 12:38:30 |
To close the event, Provincial Administrator Manuel O. Luis Jr. congratulated all the cyclists, reiterating the excitement to see them again next year for Tour de Pangasinan 2027.
The success of this event was a collaborative effort involving the Provincial Tourism and Cultural Affairs Office, Provincial Governor’s Office, the Provincial Sports Coordinator/NRSCC, the General Services Office, the Provincial Engineering Office, the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office, and the Provincial Hospital Management Services, with vital coordination provided by the Department of the Interior and Local Government.
As the Tour de Pangasinan concludes, it leaves behind a legacy not just of speed and endurance, but of freedom—the freedom to build a brighter, greener future for the province.
/MEJJVC
