The major sporting events to be held in San Juan del Paraná during April were presented at a press conference on April 1st, especially the 2026 Pan American MTB Championship, which will take place from April 15th to 19th.
The event organizers highlighted that this will be the first time Paraguay has hosted a Pan American Mountain Bike (MTB) Championship. Juan Andrés Szopa, representative of the organizing committee for this sporting event, stated that this championship represents a great opportunity to position Paraguay as a tourist destination linked to sports.
He emphasized that events of this magnitude allow the country to showcase to the world the quality of its competitors, as well as its organizational capacity, and the natural, cultural, and human richness that characterizes it.
For his part, the Secretary of Sports for the Itapúa Governorate, Cristian Benítez, indicated that hosting this competition demonstrates that Paraguay is prepared to receive high-level international events, meeting the required standards and showcasing our infrastructure and capacity for coordination and organization to the world.
The president of the Itapúa Cycling Federation, Javier Vallejos, emphasized that the athletes’ hard work and effort are crucial to upholding the country’s reputation. “The district of San Juan del Paraná is ready to welcome all participants and all those who wish to be part of this world-class event,” said Mayor Aldo Lepretti (PLRA).
The governor of the Itapúa Department, Javier Pereira (PLRA), highlighted that the competitors are the ones who bring honor to the department, and also stated that the Pan American Games are here to stay, but that “it depends on each individual, on their effort, dedication, and professionalism,” he indicated.
To date, the event will feature 16 delegations, including Paraguay, Argentina, Brazil, Venezuela, Colombia, Mexico, Chile, Costa Rica, Uruguay, Ecuador, Peru, Canada, the United States, Puerto Rico, El Salvador, and Guatemala. More than 1,500 people are expected to attend, including official delegations and accompanying persons.
Prior to the Pan American Championship, the Aguavista XCO UCI Class 1 Cup will be held on April 11 and 12. This will serve as the official Test Event, allowing for the finalization of organizational and sporting details before the major continental event.
The Aguavista circuit, the venue for the competition, has already hosted important international events and is characterized by its technical difficulty and privileged natural setting, establishing itself as one of the region’s premier circuits.
Admission will be free and open to the public, so everyone can cheer on the competitors and enjoy a unique sporting spectacle with their families in an incomparable natural environment.
Source: https://www.abc.com.py