In a nail-biting finish, Samuel Flórez gave a masterclass in the final stage of the 2026 Tour of the Gila. The young Colombian rider won the final stage and finished just shy of the podium, 39 seconds behind third-place finisher Diego Camargo (Team Medellín-EPM).
Brazilian Henrique Avancini (Localiza Meoo/Swift Pro Cycling), who finished fourth in the initial time trial, took the overall classification, succeeding his compatriot Kieran Haug, last year’s champion, who finished second just 10 seconds behind.
The fifth and final stage featured a mountainous 161.9-kilometer route with over 3,000 meters of elevation gain, a perfect scenario for climbers. From the very first ascents, the Colombian climbers made their presence felt.
Robinson López (GW Erco SportFitness), from Boyacá, responded with class on his strongest terrain: the mountains, ultimately securing the polka dot jersey for the second consecutive year.
“It was a very tough week, difficult from the first day, but we had great legs and a fantastic team. We came with high expectations and we leave satisfied, although we always want more. Now we continue preparing for the Tour of Colombia. We’re very happy to have represented the team so well,” said López, in statements released by his team.
In the end, the Colombians concluded their participation in the Tour of the Gila with an outstanding performance, securing three stage victories thanks to Walter Vargas, Robinson López, and Samuel Flórez.
Tour of the Gila (2.2)
Results Stage 5 | Silver City › Pinos Altos (161,9 km)
| 1 | Samuel Flórez | Modern Adventure Pro Cycling | 4:07:07 |
| 2 | Kieran Haug | Modern Adventure Pro Cycling | 0:10 |
| 3 | Henrique Avancini | Localiza Meoo/Swift Pro Cycling | 0:12 |
| 4 | Ian López | Modern Adventure Pro Cycling | 0:17 |
| 5 | Robinson López | GW Erco SportFitness | 0:19 |
| 6 | Diego Camargo | Team Medellín-EPM | 0:21 |
| 7 | Santiago Garzón | GW Erco SportFitness | 0:25 |
| 8 | Kai Lokey | Meridian Racing p/b de la Uz | 0:36 |
| 9 | Ethan Dunham | APS Pro Cycling | 2:29 |
| 10 | Brayan Sánchez | Team Medellín-EPM | 2:29 |
Ranking General Final
| 1 | Henrique Avancini | Localiza Meoo/Swift Pro Cycling | 12:29:06 |
| 2 | Kieran Haug | Modern Adventure Pro Cycling | 0:24 |
| 3 | Diego Camargo | Team Medellín-EPM | 0:37 |
| 4 | Samuel Flórez | Modern Adventure Pro Cycling | 1:16 |
| 5 | Robinson López | GW Erco SportFitness | 1:38 |
| 6 | Ian López | Modern Adventure Pro Cycling | 2:30 |
| 7 | Tyler Stites | Modern Adventure Pro Cycling | 2:55 |
| 8 | Santiago Garzón | GW Erco SportFitness | 3:23 |
| 9 | Kai Lokey | Meridian Racing p/b de la Uz | 3:35 |
| 10 | Brayan Sánchez | Team Medellín-EPM | 3:47 |