Joel Contreras was crowned MTB cycling champion at the Santa Fe 2026 South American Games, winning the gold medal in the men’s cross-country (XC) event. The Argentine rider triumphed this Monday on the course located at the *Curvón Sur* (South Curve) of the Ciudad de Rafaela Racetrack, during the second day of the continental competition.
Contreras completed the course in 1:24:27, with an average speed of 22.6 km/h. In a tight finish, he beat Brazil’s Alex Malacarne by just ten seconds; Malacarne finished second with a time of 1:24:37, taking the silver medal.
Rounding out the podium was another Brazilian, Ulan Bastos, who clocked 1:26:00, finishing 1 minute and 33 seconds behind the winner. The other Argentine representative, Agustín Durán, was unable to complete the race and was forced to withdraw.
Joel Contreras, MTB cycling champion: “This is for my whole family”
After crossing the finish line, Contreras expressed his emotion over the title won in Rafaela and dedicated the medal to his loved ones. “This is for my whole family, who supported me during a very difficult year.”
The champion also highlighted the work done with his team and the preparation he undertook throughout the season to arrive at the South American Games in peak condition.
“I built almost my entire season around the South American Games and gave it 100%, because it was my main goal for the year.”
Regarding his race strategy, the Argentine cyclist explained that he expected a demanding, high-paced race. “I knew I needed to maintain a high pace and that it would be a race of attrition.”
MTB cycling action in Rafaela had kicked off with the women’s cross-country event, which featured 11 riders.
Chile takes 1-2 finish in women’s event
Chilean rider Catalina Vidaurre won the gold medal after completing the course in 1:14:50, averaging 19.9 km/h. Her compatriot Florencia Monsálvez secured the silver, completing a 1-2 finish for Chile by crossing the line 1 minute and 12 seconds behind the winner.
The bronze medal went to Brazil’s Karen Olimpio, who clocked a time of 1:16:19, finishing 1 minute and 29 seconds behind Vidaurre.
Among the Argentine competitors, Lucía Miralles delivered an impressive performance, finishing fifth with a time of 1:18:43—3 minutes and 53 seconds behind the champion.
Meanwhile, Agustina Apaza finished seventh, recording a time of 1:20:30, a gap of 5 minutes and 40 seconds behind Vidaurre.
Thus, Miralles and Apaza both finished in the top ten of the women’s race, while Joel Contreras achieved the day’s standout result for Argentina by winning gold in the men’s cross-country event.