The first stage of the Vuelta Bantrab 2026 will be marked by two events: the massive fall that interrupted the start and the victory of Colombian Kevin Castillo of the Orgullo Paisa team.
Kevin Castillo, originally from Risaralda, Colombia, won the stage with a time of 3:44:52, after beating Juan Diego Hoyos and Fabricio Martínez in the final sprint, who finished second and third. With this result, the Colombian not only won the day, but also assumed the lead in the general classification, regularity and flying goals, which makes him the main protagonist of the start of the competition.
The day was scheduled for 9 a.m. from Lake Amatitlán, but the accident caused by a motorist who ignored safety instructions forced the race to be neutralized and the official starting point to be redefined. The stage finally started around 11:00 AM from El Florido, Aceituno, Escuintla, at kilometer 43 of the original route, so the official distance was 118.8 kilometers to Retalhuleu.
The best Guatemalan representative in the general classification was Manuel Oseas Rodas, who crossed the finish line with a time of 3:45:04, just 12 seconds behind the winner..
The stage had three flying finishes, although the first was canceled due to the incidents of the day, so only two were competed. In the mountain prize in Alto de Mazatenango, Guatemalan Bayron Guama of Movistar PC was awarded the only point available in that category.
Flying goals and mountain prize
- First flying goal: canceled
- Second flying goal: Kevin Castillo 5 pts, Sebastián Castaño 3 pts, Jorge Castiblanco 1 pt
- Third flying goal: Christopher Díaz 5 pts, Bayron Guama 3 pts, Manuel Rodas 1 pt
- Mountain award — Alto de Mazatenango: Bayron Guama (Movistar PC)
The National Cycling Sports Federation of Guatemala issued an official statement in which it deeply regretted the incident that occurred in the first kilometers and announced concrete actions. The organization confirmed that it will initiate the corresponding legal processes to clarify the facts and deduce the responsibilities that correspond by law, pointing out that the incident was caused by a motorcyclist who ignored the instructions of the authorities in charge of the protection and security of the event.
The Federation reiterated its commitment to the safety of all participants and announced that it will continue to work hand in hand with the authorities to strengthen security protocols in future events. The most worrying case was that of the Quetzaltecan cyclist Carlos Hacejón, who was the most affected and was transferred by ambulance to receive emergency medical attention, while the competition continued its development with the runners who managed to resume the race from El Florido, Aceituno, Escuintla.