CALATAGAN, Batangas — Filipino cyclist Mervin Corpuz is looking to turn last year’s heartbreak into this year’s victory as the MPTC Tour of Luzon kicks off its 14-stage bikathon on Wednesday, April 29, 2026. Corpuz, a native of Pangasinan, is competing under a new banner this year, riding for 7-Eleven Cliqq Roadbike Philippines.
While Corpuz walked away with the “Sprint King” title in the previous edition and helped his former team, MPT DriveHub, secure the overall team crown, his personal 38th-place finish has left him hungry for a better individual result.
The 2025 edition saw Corpuz in a dominant position for much of the final stage. He had successfully broken away from the pack and taken a provisional lead over South Korea’s Daeyeong Joo. However, the grueling Kennon Road ascent proved to be his undoing.
- The Fade: Corpuz lost his lead during the steep climb toward Baguio City.
- The Finish: By the time he reached the finish line at Camp John Hay, he had fallen out of general classification contention.
“We won’t learn if we don’t make any mistakes,” Corpuz said in Filipino during the opening ceremony at CaSobe Resort. This year, he plans to be “more calculated,” balancing his sprinting aggression with the endurance needed for Luzon’s notorious mountain passes.
Corpuz isn’t the only local favorite eyeing the P12 million prize pot—the largest in the race’s history. He faces stiff competition from both international and domestic rivals:
- Daeyeong Joo (South Korea): The defending champion looking for a repeat performance.
- Jonel Carcueva: Corpuz’s teammate at 7-Eleven Cliqq.
- Ronald Oranza: The powerhouse veteran from Standard Insurance.
- Rustom Lim: Representing MPT DriveHub.
- Joseph Javiniar: Riding for Excellent Noodles.
The 14-stage race is designed to test every facet of a cyclist’s ability, from high-speed coastal sprints to grueling high-altitude climbs.
- The Strategy: Corpuz has hinted at a more patient approach, especially during the climbing stages where he struggled previously.
- Opening Stage: The race begins in Calatagan, Batangas, offering an immediate challenge with rolling hills that will test the riders’ early-season form.
“It will be a good race tomorrow because of the climb,” Corpuz noted. “Let’s just wait for the results and let’s see what happens.” As one of the most celebrated pedalists in the country, all eyes will be on Corpuz to see if he can finally conquer the mountains that eluded him last year.