Last Sunday, July 16, cyclists participating in the Cesar 2023 Intermunicipal Games Gran Fondo in Valledupar, Colombia were robbed at gunpoint by an armed gang during the ride.

Around 10:00 and within 5 kilometers of the finish a group of riders were stopped and robbed of money, cell phones and other valuables while crossing a bridge. Participant Giselle Aguirre provided a first-hand account of the robbery to newspaper EL PILON.

“We were coming back and on the Rafael Escalona bridge [when] three armed men jumped out. I was with four other male cyclist and the criminals blocked the road with their guns. They took away our cell phones, money and other things. They also threatened to take our bicycles, but finally, they decided to let us go, after verbally abusing us with ‘It’s you life or your cell phone.’ It was intimidating.”

Neither local police nor the organizer (Cesar state government) have commented on the incident and no arrests have been made thus far.

According the United States State Department muggings and armed robberies are common in Colombia, with many occurring in broad daylight on streets, in buses, taxis, restaurants, shopping malls…and now gran fondos.

Over 500 cyclists participated in the 110 kilometer long event, with Iván Maestre Torrado, who was not stopped and robbed, winning the first edition of the race.

Photo Credit: stock

© 2019-2023 All Rights Reserved Gran Fondo Daily News