After being captured and whisked away by USA Special Forces last week, one of Venezuela’s biggest cycling fans was not at the start of the country’s most famous race on Friday – Vuelta al Tachira.

Whereas professional Venezuelan Baseball League play was suspended, organizers of the 61st edition of the pro-am Vuelta Tachira vowed to proceed with the 10 day 1400 kilometer stage race despite rampant political and social unrest in the country.

Seventy-five cyclists from twelve teams are participating what is considered one of the most difficult races in the Americas. Two continental entry level pro teams and ten elite amateur club teams will compete daily 9-18 January in the high Andes in western part of Venezuela.

While the race is unfortunately treated as a footnote by the worldwide cycling press, it is a source of huge national pride for Venezuelans and Central Americans, who follow every stage with great enthusiasm and passion.

2026 Vuelta al Tachira Stages

01/09: San Cristóbal – Socopó 214km

01/10: Socopó – San Cristóbal 214km

01/11: Circuit San Cristóbal 115km

01/12:La Fría – Mérida 162km

01/13: Circuit Mérida 120km

01/14: El Vigía – La Grita 166km

01/15: Circuit San Cristóbal – Táriba 151km

01/16: Abejales – Cerro El Cristo 155km

01/17: Circuit Rubio 134km

01/18: Ureña – San Cristóbal Velodrome 99km

Photo Credit: Facebook/reinaldo.rios.pena

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