The 45th Asian Cycling Confederation (ACC) Track Cycling Championships and 14th Asian Para Track Cycling Championships concluded on Tuesday, with China emerging as the dominant force and the host nation, the Philippines, celebrating a significant milestone for its cycling infrastructure. The event, held at the Tagaytay CT Velodrome, featured nearly 600 elite athletes from 16 countries, showcasing world-class competition and putting the Philippines firmly on the international track cycling radar.
China's Commanding Performance and Medal Standings
China asserted its supremacy in the championships, clinching a remarkable 18 gold medals out of the 44 available in the track cycling events. Their impressive haul also included 10 silver medals and one bronze, solidifying their position at the top of the medal table. Japan followed in second place with a tally of 7 gold, 7 silver, and 10 bronze medals, while South Korea secured third with 5 gold, 9 silver, and 7 bronze.
Other notable performances came from Kazakhstan with 4 golds, Chinese Taipei with 3, and Hong Kong, China, and Uzbekistan each securing 3 gold medals. Malaysia earned 2 golds, with India and Singapore taking one silver apiece, and Indonesia claiming two bronze medals. The remaining participating nations did not medal, highlighting the intense competition.
Para Cycling Dominance by Uzbekistan
In the para cycling competitions, Uzbekistan dominated with a flourish, securing 17 gold medals out of 48 events. Their total medal count included 10 silvers and 7 bronzes, placing them well ahead of Malaysia (9-6-2), South Korea (9-1-3), Japan (7-2-3), and the United Arab Emirates (3-5-2). This performance underscored the depth of talent in Asian para cycling.
Philippine Cycling's Historic Moment
Abraham "Bambol" Tolentino, president of PhilCycling and the Philippine Olympic Committee, emphasized the historic significance of hosting the championships. "It's a long 31 years between hostings, 1995 at the now-gone Amoranto Velodrome and 2026 here at the Tagaytay CT Velodrome. It's historic," Tolentino stated. He awarded medals to winners, including those from Kazakhstan, and highlighted the event as a dream realized for Philippine cycling.
Tolentino praised the Tagaytay CT Velodrome, which will turn only a year old in June, for making a "gigantic pedal" onto the world cycling map. "We are now in the company of the global destinations for competitions and training in the track community," he said, noting that the next step is to build momentum by hosting more international events and developing local track cyclists.
Future Prospects and Local Achievements
Despite acknowledging that the country's track program is "starting from scratch," Tolentino pointed to positive signs for the future. He highlighted Patrick Gerard Lee's bronze medal in the para men elite scratch race and Zedrick Ivan Honorica's new national record in the flying 200 meters as indicators of potential growth. Tolentino rewarded both athletes with cash bonuses before the championships closed.
Looking ahead, Tolentino outlined plans for the velodrome, including completing track equipment and regularly hosting local, national, inter-club, and international championships. "This was a dream that came to reality, and we'll continue to progress on that reality," he affirmed.
Accolades and Support
The successful hosting of the event drew praise from ACC president Dató Amarjit Singh Gill, who commended Tagaytay City and Tolentino for their efforts. Athletes, coaches, and team managers also lauded the championships for both the sporting excellence and the city's hospitality. Tolentino extended thanks to key supporters, including the Philippine Sports Commission, MVP Sports Foundation, Sports Plus PH, Toyota, and Peak, for their crucial backing.
With the championships concluded, the Philippines now looks to leverage this experience to foster enthusiasm for track cycling among athletes, the public, and sponsors, aiming to secure a lasting legacy in the sport.
