The new Colombian track cycling star, Stefany Cuadrado, who won the bronze medal in the keirin event at the 2025 Track Cycling World Championships in Chile, spoke exclusively with Mundo Ciclístico Magazine after the competition concluded.
What does this achievement mean to you in the elite of world cycling?
First of all, thank you so much for your support. It means a lot; it shows that things are going very well. It means we have the level and the ability to compete for major titles, and thank God for giving me the privilege of being able to say that in my first year as an elite rider and in my first World Championship in the senior category, we’ve already brought home a medal.
And how did the kilometer time trial go?
We missed it by tenths of a second, but in the end, we were able to show that we have what it takes.
Let’s talk about your personal life, your family, your background. And how did you get into cycling?
Well, I’m from Caucasia, Antioquia. My mom is Liliana Flórez, my dad is Vicio Cuadrado, and I have a brother named Steven. I got into cycling thanks to the pandemic when everything started to shut down. My mom invited me to ride a bike, and from the first moment I got on, I fell in love with cycling and knew it was for me.
What sport did you play as a student?
As a student, I played table tennis.
When you got to the track, how did you start?
Like everyone who comes to the Martín Emilio Cochise track in Medellín, the first thing they ride is a Vanti, but I started on one. My first competition was the Intercollegiate Games, where I did really well. I remember celebrating my 15th birthday with a lot of enthusiasm; some great memories.
How did you get in touch with Professor Jhon Jaime González? Well, thanks to the Intercollegiate Games, that’s where I made a name for myself, and Professor Andrés invited me to be part of the PAD, the Advanced Development Project. That’s where I met Professor Jhon Jaime González, and from the very first moment, he saw potential in me, that power, and he took it upon himself to multiply that tenfold.
What was your first trip?
The Junior Pan American Games in Paraguay, where I had my first international victory. I remember that day when Colombia won all the team events; it was a beautiful day, I’ll never forget it.
Do you remember your first podium finish in Europe?
Of course, my first podium was in Prague in the keirin. I remember it was a third-place finish.
What did Paris 2024 mean to you?
It was a great source of pride, immense happiness. In such a short time—I hadn’t even been cycling for two years—I was already at the highest level, where Martica Bayona was able to qualify. When the opportunity arose, the coach saw my level and was interested in taking me, and we were able to break the junior world record. It was a very beautiful and rewarding experience, where I was also able to take something away with me.
Did you enjoy the Olympics?
Very much so. It was an experience where everyone is going all out, where everyone is 100 percent focused on their own thing. Without a doubt, it was magnificent.
And how was that triple victory at the Junior World Championships?
It was right after the Olympics, so I was already more relaxed, much more confident. I had already faced those top athletes, so that gave me an extra boost to be able to say, “Here I am, and this is going to be mine.”
And did you have butterflies in your stomach when you made the leap from junior to elite? Well, yes, obviously that always makes you nervous. Whenever you put on the uniform, you’re always going to be, as they say, terrified. But hey, because these are your dreams, what you work for every day, and knowing that you have to make them a reality makes you nervous. But that’s what you work for, that’s what you train for every day. So, thank God we were able to take the leap in such a beautiful way.
Finally, how do you see your future?
I see it as very fulfilling, full of many wonderful things, many experiences, many stories to tell. And we’re going forward with our heads held high, dreaming very big, confident and certain that I can beat the best.
Source: Prensa Libre