With two promising young cyclists, Sebastián Ruiz and José Juan Prieto, Mexico secured a 1-2 finish on the podium in the U23 time trial at the 2026 Pan American Road Cycling Championships, taking place in Montería, Córdoba, until Sunday, March 22.
Sebastián Ruiz won the gold medal, completing the 36-kilometer circuit in 42 minutes and 2 seconds, setting the fastest time in the category. His compatriot, José Juan Prieto, secured the silver medal, crossing the finish line 44 seconds later, while the bronze went to Colombian Jerónimo Calderón, who finished with a time of 43:10.
The competition demonstrated the strength of the Mexican team in time trials, as they claimed the top two spots on the podium. Ruiz maintained a steady pace that allowed him to gain an advantage from the first few kilometers of the course under the sweltering Montería sun.
“I knew it would be very hot, but it was great to have arrived a few days early to adapt to the climate, even to the headwind in some parts of the course. This is a victory for my family, my coach, and everyone who has helped me so far,” said Ruiz, who dreams of world championship podium finishes as his performance improves.
Later in his remarks to the media accredited to the event, he commented that winning Mexico’s first gold medal fills him with “satisfaction and pride, although in the following races we’re going for more medals. Our cycling is experiencing a great competitive moment internationally.”
Colombian Calderón salvaged national honor by finishing third, preventing Mexico from sweeping the podium in this discipline. The Colombian cyclist demonstrated technical proficiency in a format that demands maximum concentration and individual effort. The continental competitions will continue throughout the weekend in Montería with the junior road races for both men and women this Friday; while the women’s and men’s under-23 races will be held on Saturday, with the elite men’s event taking place on Sunday.
The event brings together the leading figures in American road cycling, who are seeking sporting glory on Colombian soil. The Pan American Games organizers have been praised for the quality of the designed circuit and the favorable weather conditions that have allowed the scheduled activities to proceed smoothly.
ampeonato Panamericano de Ruta – CRI
Resultados Contrarreloj » Montería (36 km)
| 1 | Sebastián Ruiz | México | 42:02 |
| 2 | José Juan Prieto | México | 0:44 |
| 3 | Jerónimo Calderón | Colombia | 1:08 |
| 4 | Nehuen Erripa | Argentina | 1:36 |
| 5 | Kevin Navas | Ecuador | 1:42 |
| 6 | Juan Diego Quintero | Colombia | 1:53 |
| 7 | Vicente Cárdenas | Chile | 2:53 |
| 8 | José Sancho | Costa Rica | 4:00 |
| 9 | Amauri Pérez | Puerto Rico | 4:54 |
| 10 | Jaylen Briceño | Belice | 5:23 |
| 11 | Jesús Goyo | Venezuela | 5:49 |
| 12 | Facundo Arias | Chile | 6:18 |
| 13 | Jadian Neaves | Trinidad & Tobago | 7:16 |
| 14 | Denver Alphonse | Santa Lucía | 9:46 |
| 15 | Giovanni Fonseca | Nicaragua | 10:0 |