Breaking: Vuelta al Táchira Keeps Schedule Amid Caracas Turmoil
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the first UCI calendar race of 2026 remains on track, even as unrest rattles Venezuela’s capital. The Vuelta al Táchira is still set to unfold in the western state of Táchira, despite recent political upheaval in Caracas.
A January 3 strike lead to the detention of President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, who are now in New York facing drug-trafficking charges. Organisers say the race will proceed as planned, underscoring their commitment to the event.
event Schedule and Route
The 61st edition of the UCI 2.2 classified Vuelta a Táchira runs from January 9 to 18. The teams’ presentation is scheduled for January 7 at 7:00 p.m. local time in San Cristóbal. Stage 1 will cover 214.1 kilometres as the opening line.
The route spans 1,533 kilometres across southwest Venezuela, beginning and finishing in San Cristóbal near the Colombian border.
Contenders and Local Context
Trululu Grupo La Guacamaya leads the start list, returning Venezuelan defending champion Eduin Becerra. Teams from Colombia and Mexico are expected to join Venezuelan squads for this edition.
Organisers have emphasized that the event will run with “business as usual” communications on social media, including sponsor acknowledgments and the official teams list. First foreign teams are anticipated to arrive in San Cristóbal as the race approaches.
Why The Vuelta al Táchira Matters
as a long-standing fixture on the UCI America Tour, the race serves as an early-season barometer for riders from venezuela, Colombia, and nearby nations. Its mix of challenging climbs and lengthy daily stages makes it a valuable warm-up for athletes targeting later events on the calendar.
From a regional perspective, the race is a showcase for cross-border talent, given its proximity to Colombia and the strong presence of Colombian teams in recent editions.
| Edition | 61st |
|---|---|
| Dates | January 9–18, 2026 |
| Location | San Cristóbal, Venezuela (southwest), near Colombia |
| Total Distance | 1,533 km |
| Stage 1 Distance | 214.1 km |
| Teams Presentation | January 7, 7:00 p.m. local time |
| Defending Champion | |
| Top Team | Trululu Grupo la Guacamaya |
Evergreen insight: This event continues to be a critical early-season platform for regional riders to demonstrate form and for teams to calibrate their rosters ahead of bigger races. The results often influence selection decisions and sponsorship strategies as the new year unfolds.
Reader engagement: Which rider do you expect to emerge as a breakout star in this edition? Which stage profile shoudl fans watch most closely for potential upsets?
Share your thoughts below and follow our coverage as the Vuelta al Táchira unfolds.
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