National team member Ronald Oranza (left) won the men’s elite Criterium race in the PhilCycling National Championships for Road 2026 which kicked off Monday (Feb. 23, 2026) in Tagaytay City. Edson Corbadora and Ronnilan Quita were second and third, respectively. (Contributed photo)
The cool winds of Tagaytay set the stage for high-speed drama as national team standout Ronald Oranza powered his way to victory in the men’s elite criterium at the opening salvo of the PhilCycling National Championships for Road 2026.
Racing on a tight 2.2-kilometer circuit that began and ended at the iconic Praying Hands Monument, Oranza showcased veteran poise and tactical precision, outclassing a stacked field to seize the top podium spot. Edson Corbadora and Ronnilan Quita completed the podium in a race that tested both endurance and explosiveness on every lap.
In the women’s elite division, Filipino-American rider Mary Joyce Monton—flying in from Los Angeles—proved untouchable as she claimed gold in commanding fashion. National team pillars Maritoni Krog and Phoebe Salazar secured second and third, underscoring the depth of Philippine women’s cycling as the road season intensifies.
The under-23 ranks also delivered thrilling performances. Jude Gabriel Francisco ruled the men’s division ahead of Marvin Mandac and Mark Alex Baruelo, while Rayven Joy Valdez led a strong showing in the women’s field, finishing ahead of Althea Campana and Angeline Elvira.
In the junior category, CJ Cabreros topped Kylle Flores and Piolo Calimlim in the boys’ race, while Maria Louisse Criselle Alejado emerged victorious in the girls’ division, beating Althea Nicole Coronado and Eloiza Pajarito.
The youth categories highlighted the sport’s promising pipeline. Mark Terrence Orcino, Ren Axcel Pecson, and Johnzoe Canasa dominated the boys’ 12–13 class. In the girls’ 14–15 division, Allaeza Mae Gulmatico led Alessandra Nicole Paras and Princess Jaydee Pancho. Meanwhile, Jannshen Sta. Juana, Jyohan Toledo, and Louie Jerome Murillo completed the podium in the boys’ 14–15 bracket.
Organized by PhilCycling under the leadership of Philippine Olympic Committee president Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino, the championship is presented by Standard Insurance, MVP Sports Foundation, and the Philippine Sports Commission, with strong backing from Tagaytay City Mayor Brent Tolentino and the Tagaytay City Velodrome.
With the Individual Time Trial and Individual Road Race events still to come, the competition rolls on until Friday—promising more battles, more breakaways, and more champions crowned on the country’s premier cycling stage.