Vuelta a Colombia brought to an early end following earthquake

The Colombian Cycling Federation announced that the 76th edition of the race would not resume after assessing the situation with the different parties involved in the event.

“In light of the circumstances that arose during the race and the situation the country is currently facing as a result of the recent earthquake in Colombia, the decision has been made to bring the 2026 Vuelta a Colombia, its 76th edition, to an end,” the federation said in an official statement.

Nine stages had originally been planned, but the remaining four will no longer take place.

The first indication that the race could not continue as scheduled came with the cancellation of stage 6. Its route would have affected road connections between Antioquia, Caldas and Risaralda at a time when infrastructure and access were needed elsewhere following the earthquake.

There was initially still hope that the race could continue after the cancellation of stage 6. Further discussions ultimately led organisers to bring the event to an early end.

The federation said the decision to cancel the stage had been taken after discussions with road authorities and other parties involved in the race, with the safety of riders, teams, staff, authorities, media and everyone travelling with the race caravan among the priorities.

Officials also highlighted the importance of keeping the road corridor connecting Antioquia, Caldas and Risaralda available for passenger traffic, goods transport and emergency response following the earthquake.

The cancellation means the general classification after stage five becomes the final result, handing overall victory to Camargo.

Camargo had taken control of the race only a day earlier, winning a brutal 165km mountain stage from Ibagué to Alto El Sifón featuring around 4,600 metres of climbing and a finish above 4,100 metres.

That performance put him into the overall lead and, with no further stages to be raced, ultimately secured him the title.