South Korea’s Seoul Cycling Team prevailed in Stage 2 of the MPTC Tour of Luzon 2026 Team Time Trial after recording 56 minutes and 35 seconds over the 43.36-kilometer Clark-to-New Clark City course on Thursday, April 30.
Powered by Tour of Korea champion Min Kyeong Ho, Seoul finished 33 seconds ahead of second-placed Excellent Noodles, which posted 57:08.
Although it missed out on the stage victory, Excellent Noodles moved into the overall team general classification lead with a total time of 15:31:54 after two stages.
Steered by team captain Ryan Tugawin together with Joseph Javiniar, Mar Sudario, Jomar Camingao, Sumiso Basalan, Ramon Dela Cruz, and Douglas Hannay, the Filipino squad notched the top spot, with Standard Insurance trailing by 36 seconds and Go For Gold by 44 seconds.
“Second stage pa naman ito. Marami pang mababago at yung mahihirap na mga lap wala pa, depende na lang kung anong kondisyon sa team,” said Tugawon.
Standard Insurance secured third place in Stage 2 with a time of 57:30, bolstering its position in the overall race heading into the longer road stages.
Meanwhile, former leader Go For Gold slipped to third overall after finishing sixth in the team time trial.
For Seoul rider Lee Jung Hoon, the intense Philippine heat proved to be the toughest obstacle despite their commanding performance.
“In Korea it’s hot, but it's nothing like this one in the Philippines, so it’s really a hard one,” said Jung.
Seoul settled at 11th overall after two stages, nearly 20 minutes off the pace, as their Stage 2 victory was not enough to offset earlier time losses.
Furthermore, Stage 3 on Friday features a 145.4-kilometer route from New Clark City to Palayan City, where Excellent Noodles will try to defend its slim advantage against both domestic and international challengers.
Written by John Carl Zuniega, Insight PH
John Carl Zuniega, Insight PH is a dedicated campus journalist and contributor. Their insightful writing sparks meaningful conversations and keeps the community informed.
