HISTORY

THE HISTORY BEYOND

Cycling has always been a Filipino passion. It is a sport that reflects the characteristics of the Filipino people being determined, patient and hard working. Since 1955, cyclists and cycling aficionados flooded the streets of the country when a 3-day race from Manila to Vigan was held every summer. This race which was popularly known as "Tour of Luzon" continued until 1998 when it was rated by the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI), an Olympic body organized to supervise and help direct the growth of the sport worldwide.    

In 2002, the tour's destiny took a different course upon meeting with sports enthusiast and business leader Alberto "Bert" D. Lina, Chairman of the Lina Group of Companies. He propelled a 4-day road race tagged as the FedEx Express tour 2002 to further promote and support the sport. A year after, Tour Pilipinas made a breakthrough by organizing a 15-day road race that swept popular towns and cities in Northern and Southern Luzon.    

2005 marked the 50th year of cycling in the country with a road tour dubbed as "The Golden Tour".    

To heighten the Filipinos' morale and global competitiveness, the organizers of the tour in 2006 labeled the race as "Padyak Pinoy" reflecting the Filipino's determination, capacity for hard work, and passion for excellence in his chosen field. Organizers summed up the new philosophy with the statement... the Tour is the medium, the Filipino spirit the message.    

Following Padyak Pinoy's success, organizers continue to develop partnerships with private companies as well as support from the Local Government Units. Padyak Pinoy's endless possibilities of success continues to give hope and promise to the Filipino people.