In 2019, PRUride PH debuted its first-ever UCI 2.2 Men’s Elite Race, alongside non-competitive and virtual events. The three-stage race featured the largest cycling contingent in Philippine history, with 12 Continental teams, 8 Elite Clubs, and 5 National Teams vying for Olympic qualification points.
Stage 1 saw Ismael Grospe (then Go For Gold rider) claim a dramatic victory in a nail-biting finish, securing four major jerseys, including the Overall Leadership (Red PRULife UK Jersey). This milestone marked the first stage win of his cycling career, a breakthrough moment for the young rider.
Stage 2 featured an epic debut battle on Mt. Samat between Marcelo Felipe (then a 7-Eleven Road Bike Philippines rider) and Brendon Davids (Oliver’s Real Food Racing, Australia). In a fierce duel to the line, Davids edged out Felipe by 8 seconds, yet Felipe retained a 47-second GC lead.
Despite bad weather forcing an early halt on Stage 3, Marcelo Felipe emerged as the first PRUride PH UCI 2.2 Champion, finishing in 7:57:15. He also claimed the King of the Mountain and Best Filipino Rider titles. Brendon Davids finished second, 47 seconds behind. Meanwhile, Go For Gold youngster Daniel Ven Cariño claimed the Black Rudy Project Jersey as the Best Young Rider.
Interestingly, the Filipino winners of this race would later become part of Victoria Sports Pro Cycling (VSPC).
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