Standard Insurance wins Stage 2 Team Time Trial

VIGAN, Ilocos Sur -- Powerhouse Standard Insurance Philippines stamped its class in team play after topping the Stage 2 Team Time Trial on Friday, April 25, in the 2025 Tour of Luzon that started in front of the San Agustin Church in Paoay and ended in front of the Ilocos Sur Capitol here. VIGAN, Ilocos Sur -- Powerhouse Standard Insurance Philippines stamped its class in team play after topping the Stage 2 Team Time Trial on Friday, April 25, in the 2025 Tour of Luzon that started in front of the San Agustin Church in Paoay and ended in front of the Ilocos Sur Capitol here. Bannered by veteran Ronald Oranza, who finished second in the individual Stage 1 race on Thursday, April 24, Standard Insurance clocked 1 hour, 22 minutes and 31 seconds to dominate the 68.

5-kilometer lap. Joining Oranza in the assault were George Oconer, Junrey Navarra and Jeremy Lizardo, as well as Jan Paul Morales and Dave Cangayao. Although the stage would not be counted in the overall team standings according to organizers, the lap victory earned the crew a P70,000 top purse.



Oranza said they struggled early after Cangayao suffered mechanical problems and Morales still recovering from the bike crash he sustained in the opening lap. He also admitted he has yet to regain his full bearings after suffering cramps the day before. “Ramdam pa rin yung pagod, pero lumaban naman kami.

Laban pa rin hanggang bukas,” said Oranza. Go for Gold Philippines composed of Jerico Lucero, Aidan James Mendoza, Marc Lago and Jaypee Olarte came in second while the 7-eleven Cliqq Roadbike Philippines of Rench Michael Bondoc, John Patrick Pagtalunan, Rex Luis Krog and Gilbert Valdez finished third after crossing the finish line with identical 1:24:39. Actually, 7-eleven was earlier announced the winner of the stage, but was corrected immediately after organizers disclosed there was some confusion with the timing group with the release of teams.

MPT Drivehub Cycling Team was also supposed to finish second after timing one minute and 47 seconds later than Standard Insurance, but was relegated due to a feeding violation. Meanwhile, the lap victory boosted Oranza and his stalwarts heading to the third stage on Saturday, April 26 -- a rolling 135-km course that will start in front of the provincial capitol and will end at the San Juan Municipal Hall in La Union. “Maganda yung ruta.

.. rolling.

Sana makarekober,” said Oranza, whose team will be chasing Stage 1 winner Joo Dae Yeong of the Gapyeong Cycling Team. Joo, a 29-year-old two-time national champion in South Korea, said he is ready for the challenge, including in dealing with the scorching summer heat..