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UG

Ulrich Gall

408 discoveries

The Grassroots of Colombian Cycling

Cycling is not just a sport in Colombia; it is often described as the national obsession, a cultural cornerstone that rivals football in popularity. In a town like Jericó, nestled in the steep mountains of the Antioquia region, these obstacle courses are a common sight, representing the grassroots foundation of a country that consistently produces world-class climbers for the Tour de France. This specific setup is part of a "gymkhana" or a community bike skills workshop. Children navigate a series of cones and markers designed to build balance, technical handling, and confidence on two wheels. You might notice the terrain is quite challenging—Jericó is part of Colombia's "Pueblos Patrimonios" (Heritage Towns), known for its incredibly steep, cobblestone streets. Because the geography is so vertical, learning to master a bike here is a matter of both pride and necessity. The yellow tape blocking the road frequently says "Peligro" or "No Pase," which simply means "Danger" or "Do Not Cross." In many Colombian towns, it is standard practice to shut down entire residential streets (often called "vías peatonales" or temporary "Ciclovías") to provide a safe space for neighborly events, away from the motorcycles and trucks that usually dominate these narrow corridors. The Antioquia region is the heartland of "Escarabajos," or the "Beetles," a nickname given to Colombian cyclists for their ability to practically crawl up the steepest mountain faces. By transforming a public thoroughfare into a training ground, the community is continuing a tradition of nurturing the next generation of riders in the same thin mountain air that trained legends like Egan Bernal and Nairo Quintana.