The first stage of the fifth Vuelta Bantrab 2026 was marked by two events: a massive crash that interrupted the start and the victory of Colombian Kevin Castillo of the Orgullo Paisa team.
Kevin Castillo, originally from Risaralda, Colombia, won the stage with a time of 3:44:52, after outsprinting Juan Diego Hoyos and Fabricio Martínez, who finished second and third, respectively. With this result, the Colombian not only won the stage but also took the lead in the general classification, the points classification, and the intermediate sprints classification, making him the main protagonist at the start of the competition.
The stage was scheduled to start at 9:00 AM from Lake Amatitlán, but the accident caused by a motorcyclist who ignored safety instructions forced the race to be neutralized and the official starting point to be redefined. The stage finally started around 11:00 AM from El Florido, Aceituno, Escuintla, at kilometer 43 of the original route, making the official distance 118.8 kilometers to Retalhuleu.
The best Guatemalan representative in the general classification was Manuel Oseas Rodas, who crossed the finish line with a time of 3:45:04, just 12 seconds behind the winner.
The stage featured three intermediate sprints, although the first was canceled due to incidents during the day, so only two were contested. At the mountain prize on the Alto de Mazatenango, Ecuadorian Bayron Guama of Movistar PC won the only point available in that category.
Intermediate Sprints and King of the Mountains Classification
First Intermediate Sprint: Cancelled
Second Intermediate Sprint: Kevin Castillo 5 pts, Sebastián Castaño 3 pts, Jorge Castiblanco 1 pt
Third Intermediate Sprint: Christopher Díaz 5 pts, Bayron Guama 3 pts, Manuel Rodas 1 pt
King of the Mountains Classification — Alto de Mazatenango: Bayron Guama (Movistar PC)
The Guatemalan National Cycling Federation issued an official statement expressing its deep regret for the incident that occurred in the first few kilometers and announcing concrete actions. The organization confirmed that it will initiate the corresponding legal processes to clarify the facts and determine the legal responsibilities, noting that the incident was caused by a motorcyclist who ignored the instructions of the authorities in charge of the event’s security and safety.
The Federation reiterated its commitment to the safety of all participants and announced that it will continue working closely with the authorities to strengthen security protocols for future events. The most concerning case was that of Carlos Acabajón, a cyclist from Quetzaltenango, who was the most seriously injured and was transported by ambulance for emergency medical attention. Meanwhile, the race continued with the riders who managed to rejoin the competition from El Florido, Aceituno, Escuintla.
The second stage of the route will run from San Felipe, Retalhuleu, to San Rafael Pie de la Cuesta, San Marcos, starting at 9:00 a.m. This 119-kilometer stretch will pass through Coatepeque, Pajapita, Cruce de la Virgen, Catarina, and El Rodeo, and includes three mountain climbs and three intermediate sprints.
Source: Alejandra Soto, www.prensalibre.com