Tagaytay velodrome opens, set to host asian cycling in 2026

The Philippines marked a major milestone in sports infrastructure on June 23 with the official opening of its first Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI)-standard indoor velodrome, located in Tagaytay City. The facility is expected to elevate the country’s standing in international cycling and boost efforts toward Olympic-level sports development.

Built to global specifications, the new velodrome features a 250-meter track with a width of 7.1 meters, fully enclosed for all-weather use. Its location in the cool highlands of Cavite aims to provide an ideal environment for elite training, while supporting athlete safety and year-round performance.

The launch coincided with Olympic Day celebrations and was attended by leading Filipino athletes including gymnast Carlos Yulo and boxer Nesthy Petecio, as well as key figures in the sports community. Among them was Asian Cycling Confederation (ACC) President Dato’ Amarjit Singh Gill, who confirmed that the venue will host the 2026 Asian Track Cycling Championships from March 25 to 31.

“This venue will host the 2026 Asian Track Championships... Mabuhay!” the ACC posted on social media, citing the achievement as “historic” for the Philippines.

Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) President Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino, who also heads the national cycling federation, PhilCycling, highlighted the significance of the project. “Together with our national athletes and sports leaders, we truly felt the Olympic spirit—one that fuels our commitment to elevate the Philippines and champion inclusivity, excellence, and unity through sports,” he said during the inauguration.

The velodrome is not only positioned as a premier competition venue, but also as a strategic training facility for Filipino cyclists aiming to qualify for the Olympics. Sports officials believe it will also support the growth of local tourism and further establish Tagaytay as a hub for athletic excellence.

The event also featured the signing of a memorandum of agreement for the Paralympics and the awarding of Olympic Solidarity Scholarships to rising athletes.

With its international-standard features and confirmed hosting of a major Asian tournament, the Tagaytay Velodrome is poised to become a cornerstone of Philippine sports development and a symbol of the country’s growing ambition in the global athletic arena.