The expectation has come to an end, and the Colombian Cycling Federation (Fedeciclismo) has made official the list of the 8 cyclists who will represent the country in the men's elite road in the World Cycling Championships 2023, to be held in Glasgow. However, the most notable news is the absence of Miguel Angel Lopez, who had initially been called but has been suspended by the UCI for doping, leaving an important gap in the team.
Along with the loss of López, Rodrigo Contreras also withdrew from the list, which led the Federation to make two significant changes in the roster. The eight cyclists who officially make up the Colombian team for the elite men's road race are the following:
- Rigoberto Urán Urán (EF Education-EasyPost)
- Harold Tejada Canacue (Astana - Qazaqstan)
- Santiago Buitrago Sánchez (Team Bahrain Victorius)
- Fernando Gaviria Rendón (Movistar Team)
- Álvaro José Hodeg Chagüi (UAE Team Emirates)
- Juan Sebastián Molano Benavides (UAE Team Emirates)
- Jesús David Peña Jiménez (Team Jayco AlUla)
- Walter Alejandro Vargas Alzate (Team Medellín)
With the absence of Miguel Angel Lopez, Walter Alejandro Vargas Alzate becomes the only Colombian representative in the time trial. The Team Medellin cyclist will seek to leave Colombia's name high and do an excellent job in this demanding modality.
On the other hand, two new faces join the elite men's road team. Álvaro José Hodeg Chagüi, from UAE Team Emirates, and Jesús David Peña Jiménez, from Team Jayco AlUla, have proven their worth in previous competitions and have earned their place in this call-up. Their inclusion in the national team is a recognition of their talent and dedication in the world of cycling.
The 2023 World Cycling Championships in Glasgow promises to be an exciting challenge for the Colombian cyclists, who will seek to leave the national tricolor high in every pedal stroke. With a mix of experience and youth, the elite men's road team has all the tools to face the challenges that await them on the demanding routes of the world championship.
Cycling is a passion that unites Colombians, and the expectation to see their representatives in action in an event of this magnitude is enormous. Now is the time to support and encourage these brave cyclists as they prepare to face the best in the world at the 2023 World Cycling Championships in Glasgow. Long live Colombian cycling!
