“Drug trade was rampant and kidnappings were commonplace” – Breukink describes danger of 1995 world championships in Colombia

The World Championships begin today in Rwanda, marking the first time cycling’s biggest annual event has taken place on African soil. The opening time trials in Kigali signal the start of a historic week, but the moment also recalls another occasion when the sport ventured beyond its traditional European heartlands. In 1995, the peloton travelled to Duitama, Colombia, for a World Championships that remains etched in the memories of those who were there.

Dutch rider Erik Breukink, who competed that year, spoke to Wieler Revue about the unique atmosphere in Colombia. The backdrop was one of political tension and insecurity. Pablo Escobar had been killed less than two years earlier, and just months before the championships, leaders of the Cali Cartel were arrested. Guerrilla groups such as the FARC and ELN were also active, and kidnappings were a genuine threat to the riders.

"Not only did we have a soldier with a machine gun during the raid, but you actually saw soldiers with machine guns everywhere. That's the situation we found ourselves in. You weren't allowed to go out on the street alone, because they were afraid someone would be kidnapped by a certain group," Breukink recalled.

He admitted that it was difficult to reconcile Colombia’s beauty with the atmosphere of danger. "It's a beautiful country, but it still felt strange to be constantly surrounded by soldiers. We mainly stayed in the hotel, because you couldn't just pop into town. I didn't explore much beyond what was presented to us."

Breukink was racing alongside Colombian rider Oliverio Rincón, who had won a Tour de France stage in 1993. Through him, he gained a sobering insight into the risks athletes faced in their own country. "That year, I was on the team with Rincón, who had won a stage in the 1993 Tour de France. He told me about kidnappings in his country. He said he preferred not to get too rich in cycling, because they were also keeping an eye on that in Colombia. The more wealth, the more you were a target. Those were the things I heard beforehand."

The warnings were not exaggerated. "I realized it wasn't very safe there. I knew the drug trade was rampant and kidnappings were commonplace. We just didn't get a complete script, mind you," Breukink said of the real threats the riders faced that year. Hopefully, this year in Rwanda will see a more peaceful process for the riders, who can focus on the racing.