Colombian cycling has lost one of its own. Cristian Camilo Muñoz, rider for team NU Colombia, died on Friday 24 April 2026 following medical complications stemming from a crash at the Tour du Jura the prior week in France.
The crash left Muñoz with a serious knee injury requiring 20 stitches. He was discharged and travelled with the team to Spain to prepare for the Vuelta a Asturias. He began feeling unwell on Tuesday, was admitted to a clinic in Valladolid, but his condition rapidly deteriorated. Doctors reported a hospital-acquired bacterial infection. He was placed in an induced coma and did not respond to treatment.
NU Colombia’s team director confirmed Muñoz developed sepsis — a severe systemic infection that proved irreversible. The team withdrew from the Vuelta a Asturias. Race vehicles displayed black ribbons in tribute, and a minute’s silence was observed before Stage 2.
Born 20 March 1996 in Ventaquemada, Boyacá, Muñoz reached the WorldTour in 2019 with UAE Team Emirates after earlier spells with Coldeportes Zenú. During his time at UAE, he rode alongside Tadej Pogacar, reflecting the potential he carried into the European peloton. He claimed stage wins at the Vuelta de la Juventud in 2017 and a stage at the U23 Giro d’Italia in 2018, before returning to Colombia to race with the pro-am EPM and later NU Colombia teams.
The Colombian Cycling Federation mourned the loss of “a talented Boyacense athlete” and paid tribute to his dedication, discipline, and character both on and off the bike.
He was 30 years old.
Photo Credit: NU Colombia
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