Wilmar Paredes wins Vuelta a Colombia stage after earthquake

On August 10, 2026, 30‑year‑old Wilmar Paredes tackled the third stage of the Vuelta a Colombia with his mind split between the race and the uncertainty about his family after the earthquake that shook the country.

The race under the shadow of the earthquake

The seismic event was recorded in the early morning hours, exactly when Paredes was preparing to start the stage from Garzón to Neiva. Without time to check on his wife, Camila Valbuena, and daughters Victoria and Isabela, the cyclist carried the worry throughout the 160.5 kilometres.

Victory in the Garzón–Neiva stage

Even under tension, Paredes broke away and kept the pace, culminating in a final sprint that left him almost four bikes ahead of Juan Diego Hoyos (Team Sistecrédito), who finished second. Felipe Bravo (GW-Erco) completed the podium. The hallmark was a time of 3:24.29, cementing his third consecutive win in the competition.

Paredes' reaction after the sprint

Crossing the line in Neiva, the Team Medellín‑EPM rider expressed words of solidarity: “I send condolences to all the people affected at this very complicated moment the country is living through, it is a message of unity.”

Overall standing and upcoming challenges

With the win, Paredes retained the lead in the 76th edition of the Vuelta a Colombia, now with a 20‑second advantage over Brandon Alejandro Rojas (GW‑Erco) and 22 seconds over Felipe Bravo. The twelfth victory of the season reinforces his dominance, although the high mountain stages still pose an obstacle, with rivals who may have better conditions for steep climbs.

Impact of the quake on upcoming stages

The fourth stage, originally scheduled from Neiva to Ibagué, may still be altered due to the recorded earthquake. The 196.9‑km race is set for Tuesday, followed by the “queen” stage on Wednesday, finishing at Alto de El Sifón at 4,149 metres altitude. In that phase, Paredes could take a support role for teammate Diego Andrés Camargo, runner‑up of the previous two editions, should the route demand it.

With information from El Colombiano.