PAOAY, Ilocos Norte – South Korea’s Dae Young-joo of the Gapyeong Cycling Team launched a dominant solo breakaway to win Stage 1 of the MPTC Tour of Luzon on Thursday, April 24.
Joo completed the grueling 190.7-kilometer stage in 4 hours, 12 minutes, and 45 seconds—finishing more than four minutes ahead of Filipino veteran Ronald Oranza. His powerful ride earned him the red jersey as the overall leader, after also sweeping all intermediate sprint points.
The stage featured 119 cyclists from 17 teams, navigating the scenic but challenging terrain across Ilocos Norte towns. Joo initially broke away with Jan Paul Morales, who unfortunately crashed near the finish line, allowing the South Korean to power ahead unchallenged.
The eight-stage race continues across Luzon and wraps up in Baguio City on May 1.