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PAOAY, Ilocos Norte—It will be a long, long race for Filipino cyclists.

- By JOEY VILLAR

It became apparent when South Korean Joo Dae Young of Gapyeong Cycling Team flexed his muscles early and dominated the relatively flat but long 190.2-kilometer Stage One of the MPTC Tour of Luzon: Great Revival that started and ended in a heritage site in this quiet but scenic town.

The stocky, 29-year-old two-time Korean national champion was all business from the start when he and Standard Insurance's Jan Paul Morales broke away early before the foreign rider left the home bet in the final 30km stretch to take the opening stage by storm.

Reaching the finish line by his lonesome, Joo raised his two hands in triumph, cheered on by an adoring crowd who waited for hours to witness who would take the kickoff of this 1,074km, eight-stage summer cycling spectacle.

"I want a solo finish in this race," said a jubilant Joo of his game plan which he was able to execute.