Montería is preparing to host one of the most important sporting events on the continent, the Pan American Road Cycling Championships, which will take place from March 15 to 22, 2026, marking the return of this competition to Colombia after 15 years.
The mayor of Montería, Hugo Kerguelén García, officially announced the city’s selection as host during the launch event held at the Teatrino de la Ronda Centro, with the presence of continental cycling authorities, the Colombian Olympic Committee, the Colombian Cycling Federation, and the current Pan American road cycling champion, Álvaro Hodeg.
Mayor Hugo Kerguelén García highlighted the magnitude of the event for the city’s sporting and tourism development, adding, “It is an honor for Montería to host the Pan American Cycling Championships. This demonstrates that we are prepared for major international events and that we continue to position ourselves as a city that is moving forward, transforming, and believing in sport as an engine of development. We will welcome the best cyclists on the continent with our characteristic hospitality, and we are thrilled that our Pan American champion, Álvaro Hodeg, will be able to defend his title on home soil.”
To Retain the Title
Hodeg Chagüi, from Montería, won the gold medal in the Pan American road race on March 27th in Punta del Este, Uruguay, and will seek to repeat his victory next year. The cyclist told those present in the small theater that this is “a very big event. I want to send a message to all those children: keep thinking big, and I am proud that it is in my hometown, where I took my first pedal strokes. I hope you will join us in March to win, with God’s help.”
Similarly, the Colombian team is looking to repeat its overall title at the Pan American Cycling Championships, which it has won in the last nine editions. This was confirmed by the president of the Colombian Cycling Federation, Rubén Darío Galeano, who also stated that “it is very gratifying to confirm today that Montería and Córdoba will host this championship, bringing this Pan American cycling celebration back to our country after 15 years.”
For his part, the president of the Pan American Cycling Confederation, José Manuel Peláez, stated: “We have toured the circuits where the competition will take place and visited Montería, and we have been impressed by the quality of the circuits and the hotels.”
Pan American Championship Details
The event will have approximately 700 visitors, including 400 cyclists, representing 27 countries, in the junior, under-23, and elite categories, for both men and women.
The time trial is scheduled for Tuesday, March 17, and Thursday, March 19. While the road races for the various categories will take place between Friday, March 20th and Sunday, March 22nd, the delegations will begin training in the city several days prior.
Kerguelén García stated that work is already underway on all logistical and operational aspects, including infrastructure, communications, lighting, technical setup, sports support, and security for visitors and participants arriving in the city.
The mayor emphasized that this event will boost the local economy and solidify Montería’s position as a top-tier sporting destination. With this announcement, the Pearl of the Sinú is preparing to host one of the most important cycling events on the continent, consolidating its presence on the international stage and reaffirming its capacity to organize world-class sporting events.
Source: https://burbujapolitica.com