Gran Fondo Cycling Challenge RD 2026 brings together cyclists from various countries on a challenging route through the Cibao

30% of the participants arrived from Chile, Argentina, the United States, Cuba, and Puerto Rico, consolidating the international character of the event, which took place in the Cibao region. La Vega, Dominican Republic. – With the participation of more than three hundred national and international cyclists, the Gran Fondo Cycling Challenge RD 2026 successfully celebrated its fourth edition, consolidating itself as one of the road cycling events with the greatest growth in the Dominican Republic. The activity brought together hundreds of cyclists who rode a demanding route through several cities in the Cibao region, in a day marked by rain, mountainous landscapes, and camaraderie among the participants. One of the most outstanding aspects of this edition was its international character: 30% of the participants came from Chile, Argentina, the United States, Cuba, and Puerto Rico. The start and finish of the event took place at the Temple of Fame of the Vegan Athlete, in La Vega, from where the peloton began the route under a gray sky and with wet asphalt, conditions that added an additional level of difficulty from the first kilometers. The journey took the cyclists towards Bonao, surrounded by mountains and nature, then continuing towards Maimón and Cotuí, where the participants crossed one of the most emblematic points of the route: the Hatillo dam, which offered spectacular views between the mist and the rain. Subsequently, the peloton arrived at Fantino, where one of the hydration points was located before starting the return to La Vega and completing the route. The founder and organizer of the event, Henry Francisco, highlighted the response from cyclists and the growth that the Gran Fondo has had in recent years. “Each edition confirms that road cycling in the Dominican Republic continues to grow. This event not only promotes the sport, but also allows us to showcase the beauty of our roads and landscapes to the world. Seeing cyclists from different countries riding together through the Cibao is a great satisfaction and motivates us to continue strengthening this project,” expressed Francisco. Despite the rain present during a good part of the route, the participants completed the route demonstrating resistance and passion for cycling. The Gran Fondo Cycling Challenge RD 2026 was supported by 48 agents from the General Directorate of Traffic and Ground Transportation Safety (Digesett) and the Central Directorate of Tourism Police (Politur). In addition, it was backed by the Senate of the Republic, the Ministry of Sports (Miderec), the Ministry of Youth, the Ministry of Women, as well as the municipalities of La Vega, Cotuí and Fantino, Basílica Management, Vagy Rejuvenation and CheckPoint. More than a competition, the event was consolidated as a sporting and tourist experience that connects cities, promotes cycling, and highlights the landscapes of the Cibao, positioning the country as an attractive destination for this type of activity.