With a meeting between the Mayor of Montería, Hugo Kerguelén García, and officials from the Pan American Cycling Confederation (COPACI) and the Colombian Cycling Federation, the agenda for the Montería 2026 Pan American Road Cycling Championships officially began this Monday, March 16, in the city of Montería.
The first event of this major sporting gathering took place during a welcome luncheon hosted by Mayor Hugo Kerguelén García and the First Lady, Diana Sierra Márquez. Continental and national cycling leaders attended, praising Montería’s organization, hospitality, and readiness to host more than 350 cyclists from over 29 countries across the continent.
The hosting of this important championship in the capital of Córdoba is the result of direct efforts led by Mayor Hugo Kerguelén García, who spearheaded the alliance between the Montería City Hall and the Colombian Cycling Federation, leading to the city’s selection as the venue for the event.
Thanks to this institutional collaboration, the municipal administration allocated an investment of approximately 1.8 billion pesos to guarantee the organization, logistics, and preparation of the necessary venues for the championship.
“This Pan American Championship is a reality thanks to the collaborative work we have been leading with the Pan American Confederation and the Colombian Cycling Federation. We want Montería to continue positioning itself as a host for major international sporting events that boost our economy, promote tourism, and showcase to the continent our city’s capacity to organize high-level competitions,” stated Mayor Hugo Kerguelén.
This week, Montería will host the time trial and road race events for the junior, under-23, and elite categories, for both men and women, solidifying its position as the epicenter of continental cycling. Additionally, a UCI Platform and the annual COPACI Congress will take place.
The competition will also hold special appeal for Montería’s cycling fans with the participation of local cyclist Álvaro Hodeg, who returns to the city to defend the Pan American title he won in Uruguay in 2015.
With delegations from 29 countries and thousands of visitors, the Pan American Cycling Championships also represent an opportunity to further boost the local economy, tourism, and Montería’s international profile as a host city for major sporting events.
Source: www.monteria.gov.co