World-class mountain biking events to be held in Salinas this month

The Tropical Mountain Bike Challenge 2026 and American Continental Series, two of the leading mountain biking competitions in the Caribbean and Americas, will be held in Puerto Rico later this month at the Olympic Hostel in Salinas.

By THE STAR STAFF

Guayama District Sen. Rafael “Rafy” Santos Ortiz, who chairs the Recreation and Sports Committee in the upper chamber, announced the official endorsement of the Tropical Mountain Bike (MTB) Challenge 2026 events and American Continental Series, two of the leading competitions in the Caribbean and Americas in the discipline of mountain biking, which will be held in Puerto Rico later this month at the Olympic Hostel in Salinas.

“I reaffirm my support for initiatives that strengthen sports, promote healthy competition and project Puerto Rico as a first-class destination for these international events,” Santos said earlier this week. “[...] These events not only represent a competitive opportunity for our athletes, but also promote sports tourism, generate economic activity and continue to position Puerto Rico on the international stage.”

The Puerto Rican Cycling Federation-endorsed events, which will be held from Feb. 19 to Feb. 23, will bring together the elite riders of the mountain biking world, with an estimated participation of between 200 and 250 international athletes from 13 countries, including powerhouses such as France, Germany, the United States, Canada and the Netherlands. Last year, the Tropical MTB Challenge made a significant impact with 395 unique athletes, many of whom competed in multiple events throughout the week, reflecting the high competitive level and organizational quality of the event.

Confirmed international athletes include world-renowned figures such as Riley Amos (United States), an Olympian and world championship medalist; Savilia Blunk (United States), who is ranked in the Top 10 globally; and Tyler Orschel (Canada), one of the top riders in the International Cycling Union rankings.

Puerto Rican representation will be headed by Georwill Pérez, Suheily Rodríguez and youth champion Yandel de Jesús Claudio, who is currently ninth in the world in his category.

Island Recreation and Sports Secretary Héctor Vázquez Muñiz expressed his support for both events.

“Mountain biking is brutal… It goes beyond perhaps the concept of people who don’t follow cycling, who think that cycling is all the Tour de France …” Vázquez Muñiz said. “There are many variations in cycling. This is one that fits perfectly in Puerto Rico. I urge you to stand with our boys and with the organizers.”

Cycling Federation President Roberto Collazo added that the event is growing in Puerto Rico.

“We already have more than 180 riders and we hope that more will arrive,” he said. “It is a significant number of bikers of high world caliber, who have been in the cycling line in the Olympics. I invite you to watch a beautiful mountain biking show inside the grounds of the Olympic Hostel.”