Colombian cycling continues to sink: the latest data is disheartening

Sunday, 20 August 2023 at 22:00

The latest UCI ranking report, published in mid-August 2023, has cast shadows of concern over the outlook for Colombian cycling. The current situation is undeniably discouraging, painting a bleak and, in many ways, alarming picture for a nation that was once synonymous with success in the cycling world.

The communication from the UCI ranking of mid-August this year is a wake-up call that cannot be ignored. The crisis in which Colombian cycling is immersed is eloquently reflected in these numbers, revealing a significant decline in its global position. The worrying reality is that Colombia is not only doing badly, but the prospects point to an even bleaker future.

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This dark outlook adds to the recent feat of Primoz Roglic, who has tied an impressive record by Nairo Quintana. As individual achievements become scarcer, the focus shifts to Colombia's collective performance on the international cycling scene. The lack of prominence at the Glasgow World Championships in the road category, where the Colombian representatives went unnoticed, is just one example of the difficulties facing the team.

The reality both internally and externally is clear: Colombian cycling is at a critical crossroads. What appears to be a management failure has unleashed a series of negative results in the competitive arena. The summit that Colombia once proudly occupied in the cycling world is rapidly crumbling, and it is time to take urgent action to reverse this negative trend.

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The imminent threat of losing its place in the top 10 of the UCI ranking is a serious wake-up call. The United States looms as a close rival, stalking Colombia's position and jeopardizing its leadership in the Americas ranking. The gap separating the two nations is less than 90 points, a difference that could quickly vanish if significant changes are not implemented.

The suspension of Miguel Angel Lopez and the fact that Nairo Quintana cannot find a team are serious situations that hurt the South American country in terms of points. Riders like Rigoberto Urán are far from their best level and cyclists like Einer Rubio, Santiago Buitrago or Fernando Gaviria are not enough to remain in the elite of world cycling;