The Plaza de Bolivar in Tunja witnessed the 24 teams set to compete in the Tour Colombia 2024. The star-studded event featured cycling icons such as Nairo Quintana, Egan Bernal, Rigoberto Urán and British sensation Mark Cavendish.
The competition boasts a lineup of 144 cyclists across 24 teams, including 21 riders in the under-23 category and a notable presence of 85 international cyclists. All eyes are on the World Tour teams participating, namely Astana Qazaqstan Team, EF Education-EasyPost, and Movistar Team. These teams received warm applause during the presentation, underscoring the enthusiasm of the fans.
In addition to the World Tour powerhouses, the Colombian national team emerges as a standout contender. With Egan Bernal leading the charge, expectations are sky-high for the local squad. The passionate support from fans is palpable as they rally behind the cyclists representing the country in this highly anticipated competition.
Race kick-off and route overview
The category 2.1 competition is set to commence on Tuesday, February 6, with the inaugural stage starting from Paipa and concluding in Duitama. The first leg spans 155.8 kilometers, featuring a flat terrain conducive to a mass sprint finish. This technical setup promises a dynamic and strategic start as teams aim to position themselves advantageously early in the competition.
The fourth edition of the Tour Colombia, a 2.1-category race on the international cycling calendar, will unfold from February 6 to 11, 2024, covering 925.1 kilometers across six stages with diverse profiles, prominently featuring mountainous terrain.
Paipa, in Boyaca, will host the opening stage on Tuesday, February 6, with the route passing through Duitama, La Y, and completing five loops in the Valle between Tibasosa, Sogamoso, Nobsa, and La Y before finishing in Duitama, covering a total distance of 155 kilometers.
The second stage, on Wednesday, February 7, will also start in Paipa, passing through Tunja, Ventaquemada, returning to Tunja and Paipa, crossing Duitama, and concluding in Santa Rosa de Viterbo, covering a total distance of 169 kilometers.
Tunja will host the third leg, featuring a 12.5-kilometer circuit with start and finish on Avenida Universitaria near Condominio Santa Helena. Cyclists will navigate nine laps for a total of 112.5 kilometers.
The fourth stage will depart from Paipa, passing through Tunja, Ventaquemada, Villapinzon, Choconta, Gachancipa, Tocancipa, Chia, Cajica, and concluding in Zipaquira, covering a total distance of 181.8 kilometers.
The penultimate stage in Cundinamarca will start in Cota, passing through Siberia, El Rosal, La Vega, Villeta, and returning to conclude the challenging 138.3-kilometer stage at Alto del Vino.
In the final stretch, the Tour Colombia will wrap up with the sixth stage covering 138.7 kilometers, starting from Sopo, passing through Tocancipa, Gachancipa, Choconta, returning via Sesquile, Guatavita, La Calera, Alto de Patios, entering Bogota through Calle 85 with Carrera Septima, and culminating at Parque Nacional.
See all the latest news from Colombia and the world at ColombiaOne.com. Contact our newsroom to report an update or send your story, photos and videos. Follow Colombia One on Google News, Facebook, Instagram, and subscribe here to our newsletter.