CYCLING goes beyond just as a sport, it is a way of life built on discipline, resilience, adaptability, and teamwork. Cyclists develop patience and awareness, learning to handle the trail with skill and intuition, all while chasing the thrill and freedom of the open road.

Whether riding with a group or enjoying the solitude of the open road, cycling builds community, fosters meaningful connections, and offers a sustainable, life-enhancing way to travel.

Cycling Through Time

Cycling began as a sport around the 1870s, with one of the notable early biking clubs being the St. Louis Cycling Club in the United States. In the modern era, the sport is governed by the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI), established in Paris, which is currently the largest governing body overseeing cycling worldwide.

The sport was first introduced in the Philippines during the Spanish colonial period in the 1880s and was initially used as a mode of transport. It later transitioned into a competitive sport in the 1950s with the creation of the Tour of Luzon, inspired by the European Grand Tours. 

The Tour of Luzon is an annual multi-stage professional road bicycle race held in the Philippines, where elite cyclists compete across the nation. With its recent revival, referred to as “The Great Revival,” the competition resumed in Ilocos Norte, showcasing scenery ranging from ancient churches to golden dunes and lakes.

The comeback of the Tour of Luzon seeks to bring cycling in the Philippines to greater heights, serving as a testament to how far the sport has come.

Forged to Saddle 

A cyclist must focus on establishing high-intensity training that enhances cardiovascular endurance, as well as muscle endurance, particularly in the legs, hips, arms, and core. Professional cyclists typically train between 15 and 20 hours per week, and during periods requiring heightened performance, their programs often incorporate structured intervals, power-focused sessions, and race-specific simulations. In some cases, overall training volume may further increase to approximately 28 to 34 hours.

Chris Froome of Great Britain, considered one of the top stage racers in the world,  trains between 30 to 35 hours per week, making use of advanced training technologies that enable him to optimize performance and monitor his physiological output with precision.  

 Beginners are advised to start with 30 to 45 minutes of riding several times a week, which may gradually be increased to longer sessions of one to two hours as endurance and confidence improve.

Despite the challenges, the passion for the ride could not be shaken. Each ride builds strength, endurance, and confidence. The muscles learn to endure pain, and the heart learns to believe. 

Training embodies not only personal growth but also the camaraderie of shared hardships and the spirit of adventure that comes with every journey.

A Trail of Adventures

With two wheels, cycling opens the door to lifelong adventure. The joy of the sport extends beyond its physical benefits but lies in reliving the sense of freedom that comes with travel, savoring the thrill of discovering new places, and immersing yourself in the beauty of your surroundings, whether it’s the towering structures of a city or the tranquil embrace of nature. 

Through cycling, every ride becomes an opportunity to explore, experience, and truly connect with the world around you.

Every route tells a story. The beauty of cycling comes from the ride itself and from sharing these trails with others and growing from every challenge along the winding roads.

Prominent Local Biking Legends

Aira Lopez, a cycling champion and vlogger, shows how Filipinos continue to excel in the sport. She also managed to grab victories, such as winning the overall sprint at the women's division in Bike King Duathlon 2016 and finishing first in her age group at the Bike King Duathlon 2018. She also co-hosts the TV show “Cycling Unlimited” on CNN Philippines.

Another standout in Philippine cycling is Kate Yasmin Velasco, a road racer for Standard Insurance PHI. She is a rising star, highlighted by her recent achievement of finishing third at the Third National Championships Philippines WE, marking her as one of the country’s promising talents in competitive cycling.

Mark John Lexer Galedo is considered a legend in Philippine cycling, who rose from humble beginnings as a car painter and kitchen helper to become a celebrated name in the cycling world. His impressive career includes winning the 2009 Tour of Luzon, finishing first overall in the 2012 Ronda Pilipinas, and earning a remarkable gold medal in the Individual Time Trial at the 2013 SEA Games.

Lopez, Velasco, and Galedo embody Filipino pride in cycling. Their passion serves as a testament to how far true dedication can take you, and their remarkable achievements continue to inspire Filipinos to pursue greatness on two wheels.

The Finish Line of Endless Beginnings.

The magic of the ride, whether for the thrill of competition, to take in the endless views of city skylines or nature, or to improve one’s physical health, regardless of the purpose, could all be gained from a simple, human-powered machine, with its frame, saddle, handlebars, and pedals driving the rear wheel, offering more than motion, but also a strengthened dedication, discipline, and passion. 

Cycling becomes a path to personal growth, connection, and a life shaped by shared experiences. It challenges individuals to train hard and push their limits.  

This pursuit of excellence is reflected in Filipino cycling icons like Aira Lopez, Kate Yasmin Velasco, and Mark Galedo, inspiring others to embrace the journey and pursue the path of growth and discovery.