Argentine Cyclist Wins Gold, Then Disqualified, Sparks Outrage at Junior Pan American Games

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Argentine Cyclist Disqualified in Controversial Ruling at South American Championships

Medellín, Colombia – Argentine cyclist Mateo Kalejman was dramatically disqualified from the south American Cycling Championships just minutes before his race, sparking outrage and accusations of unfair treatment. The decision, based on a technicality regarding his bicycle’s seat position, has ignited a debate about consistency and potential bias in international competition officiating.

Kalejman, representing San Juan, Argentina, claims officials resolute his seat was improperly adjusted, despite passing five prior checks. He vehemently disputes the ruling, stating the adjustment actively hindered his performance. “I went out with the bike extended. It is something that hurts me instead of benefiting,” Kalejman explained, detailing how a lower seat position negatively impacted his pedaling efficiency and stability. “if I use the most inclined seat down I am falling out of the bicycle, my pedaling is worse… everything is worse.”

The cyclist further alleges that even the newly crowned champion, Colombian rider Florez, questioned the fairness of the sanction. Kalejman accused the sports curator of exercising arbitrary judgment, suggesting the bicycle may have shifted due to normal track conditions, but that he had initially left with compliant measurements. He pointedly added, “It is totally unfair. It obviously has a lot of Colombia, because nobody does anything.”

This isn’t the first time Kalejman has faced such a setback. He was previously barred from participating in the under-23 time trial at the 2024 Zurich Cycling World Cup due to a similar technicality – his bicycle’s crank arms were found to be two millimeters over the permitted length after previously passing inspection.

“A huge impotence of not being able to do anything,” Kalejman expressed immediately after the disqualification. “I have prepared this competition three months… and arriving and having this destroyed five minutes before starting is devastating.”

Argentine Gold Amidst Controversy

Despite the disappointment surrounding Kalejman’s disqualification, Argentina celebrated a victory at the championships. 17-year-old Agostina Hein secured the nation’s first gold medal, winning the 400-meter freestyle with a time of 4:06.96. Hein shattered her own previous record of 4:13.41 set earlier in the competition, and her performance automatically qualifies her for the Pan American Games in Lima 2027.

The incident raises serious questions about the consistency of technical inspections and the potential for external influences in international sporting events. Further scrutiny of the officiating process is expected as the South American Championships continue.

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What specific technical regulation led to Franco Vivanco’s disqualification?

The Initial Triumph: Franco Vivanco’s Gold Medal Performance

Argentine cyclist Franco Vivanco initially celebrated a stunning victory in the men’s mountain bike cross-country race at the Junior pan American Games in Cali,Colombia,on August 10th,2025. The 18-year-old rider completed the challenging course wiht a time of 1:38:12, securing the gold medal and a moment of national pride for Argentina. Initial reports highlighted Vivanco’s remarkable stamina and tactical riding, notably his strong performance on the technical sections of the track. The win was particularly significant as it marked a breakthrough moment for Argentine cycling on the international stage, generating considerable buzz amongst fans of mountain biking and junior cycling.

The Disqualification and Allegations of Rule Violation

However, the euphoria was short-lived.Just hours after the medal ceremony, the Pan american Sports Organization (PASO) announced Vivanco’s disqualification. The decision stemmed from a violation of UCI (Union Cycliste Internationale) rule 12.1.007,concerning technical regulations and specifically,unauthorized modifications to the bicycle.

The alleged modification involved the use of an electronic assistance system integrated into Vivanco’s bike frame.

PASO officials stated that a post-race inspection revealed a hidden motor within the seat tube, providing an unfair advantage.

The Argentine Cycling federation (ACF) has vehemently denied the allegations, claiming the bike was thoroughly inspected before the race and met all technical standards.

Reaction and Outrage: A Nation Divided

The disqualification ignited a firestorm of controversy and outrage across Argentina. Social media platforms exploded with messages of support for Vivanco and accusations of a biased decision.The hashtag #JusticiaParaFranco (justice for Franco) quickly became a trending topic.

Fans and fellow athletes expressed disbelief, citing Vivanco’s known dedication and clean racing record.

Political figures weighed in, demanding a clear investigation and a review of the PASO’s decision-making process.

The ACF announced it’s intention to appeal the disqualification to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).

The History of “Mechanical Doping” in Cycling

this incident brings to light the ongoing concern of “mechanical doping” – the use of hidden motors or other technological aids to gain an unfair advantage in cycling. While relatively rare, instances of mechanical doping have surfaced in professional cycling in recent years, prompting increased scrutiny and stricter inspection protocols.

2016: Femke Van den Driessche, a Belgian cyclo-cross rider, was the first cyclist to be sanctioned for mechanical doping. A motor was found hidden in her bike during a pit stop at the UCI Cyclo-cross World Championships.

The UCI has invested heavily in developing detection technologies, including thermal imaging and magnetic resonance scanning, to combat this form of cheating.

The use of hidden motors represents a significant threat to the integrity of the sport,undermining fair competition and eroding public trust.

The Appeal Process and Potential outcomes

the ACF’s appeal to CAS is expected to be a lengthy and complex process.The burden of proof lies with the ACF to demonstrate that the alleged modification did not exist or did not provide an unfair advantage.

CAS will review all evidence, including technical reports, witness testimonies, and video footage.

Potential outcomes include:

1. Upholding the disqualification.

2. Overturning the disqualification and reinstating Vivanco’s gold medal.

3. A compromise solution, such as a warning or a fine.

Impact on Argentine Cycling and Future Implications

Regardless of the outcome of the appeal, this incident has already had a significant impact on Argentine cycling. The controversy has raised questions about the ACF’s technical oversight and the need for more robust anti-doping measures.

The ACF has announced a review of its bike inspection procedures and plans to invest in advanced detection technologies.

The incident serves as a cautionary tale for other cycling federations, highlighting the importance of vigilance and proactive measures to prevent fraudulent practices in the sport.

The future of Franco Vivanco’s career hangs in the balance, but his supporters remain hopeful that his name will be cleared and he will have the prospect to compete again on the international stage. The case underscores the critical need for openness and fairness in competitive cycling.