Colombian-Spanish Oscar Sevilla established himself as the first leader of the 2025 Tour of Panama, Vicente Carretero Cup, by winning the first stage today, Tuesday, following a breakaway that began in the final 30 kilometers, reaping the rewards for Team Medellín EPM.
The 94.3 kilometers were contested on this stage between Chitré, Santa María, Chitré, and Parita, with Sevilla clocking a time of 1 hour, 57 minutes, and 26 seconds.
Sevilla managed to join a four-rider breakaway, including Carlos Roche (City Bikes Míami), who finished second with the same time.
The main peloton finished five seconds behind, led by José Domínguez (Cuba Rali), who completed the podium, followed by Colombian Álvaro Hodeg (Team Medellín EPM), and Franklin Archibold (Senafront) in fifth place, the best national rider of the stage.
“We thank the Panamanian Cycling Federation for this invitation. It was a race that rivals other events around the world. Excellent organization and a fabulous course. Now it’s time to defend ourselves,” Sevilla said at the end of the day.
The day began at a frantic pace, driven by constant attempts at breakaways that failed.
Two intermediate sprints were contested along the way, won by Costa Rican Gabriel Rojas (ManzaTé-La Selva-Scott) at 28 kilometers and by Colombian Robinson Oyola (Team Medellín EPM) at 52 kilometers.
Others who finished as leaders in their categories were Yadiel Hernández (Cuba Rali) in Junior, José Domínguez (Cuba Rali) in Under-23, Fernando Ureña (Team Coclé) in Master A, and Cristian Fajardo (ILC Cycling Team) in Master B. Sevilla also finished as the regularity leader with 16 points.
Tomorrow, Wednesday, the second stage comprises 97.6 kilometers, starting in Chitré, heading to Santa María, Pese, El Ciruelo, Corralillos, and finishing in Chumical.
Two intermediate sprints will be contested, and the route will feature unpaved roads, a 3-kilometer stretch of loose gravel and fords that the riders will have to navigate to reach the finish line. Sevilla was previously the winner of the Tour of Panama in 2023.
Source: FEPACI