Jesus Aquino Garcia Jr., an Amerasian born to a Filipino mother and an American-Mexican father who served in the U.S. military, became one of the most notable figures in Philippine cycling. His rise began in the 1960s, during which he finished as a runner-up in the prestigious Tour of Luzon, first to Jose Sumalde in 1965 and later to Cornelio Padilla Jr. in 1967. After a period of stagnation in cycling from 1968 to 1972 (except for 1969), Garcia returned to dominate the 1973 Tour of Luzon, winning five of the ten stages and taking the overall title.
Garcia’s success in cycling coincided with a burgeoning music career. During the 1973 Tour, he was discovered by Vicor Music Corporation and soon became known as the “Singing Cyclist” after the hit song “Buhay Siklista” (Life of a Cyclist) became an anthem for the Boys of Summer on two wheels. Although this success kept him from the 1974 races, he returned in 1975, finishing second to the first-ever rookie champion, Samson Cariño, in the 9-stage PICCA Tour, and again in 1976, securing another second place behind Domingo Quilban.
In 1977, Garcia reached a career peak, winning both the Tour of PICCA and arguably the first Marlboro-sponsored Tour of Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao. His victory was part of a standout year that also saw his nemesis Mau Reynante win the 24-day Tour ng Pilipinas. Despite his achievements, Garcia migrated to the U.S. in April 1978, and after briefly returning in 1982 to race in the Marlboro Tour, he retired, leaving behind a lasting legacy in both cycling and music.
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