The 2025 edition of the Vuelta Ciclistica Internacional a Guatemala (2.2) delivered ten days of thrilling racing across Guatemala’s diverse terrain, from high-altitude climbs to rolling circuits and urban finales. With strong performances from Colombian, Mexican, and Guatemalan riders alike, this year’s Vuelta offered a mix of tactical battles, breakaway heroics, and emerging local talents.
Stage Highlights
Stage 1 – Guatemala City › Mixco (114 km)
The opening day set the tone with a fast, circuit-style race around Guatemala City and Mixco. Early breakaways tested the peloton, but the stage concluded with a reduced bunch sprint. Local riders showed promise, while GC contenders stayed vigilant.
Stage 2 – San Pedro Sacatepéquez › San Marcos (130 km)
A hilly stage that began to stretch the field. Colombian and Mexican climbers asserted themselves, with minor gaps opening in the GC. The stage win went to a breakaway specialist who timed their attack perfectly in the closing kilometres.
Stage 3 – San Marcos › Quetzaltenango (142 km)
The first real test of climbing legs. With multiple categorised climbs, the stage created early separation in the GC, favoring strong climbers. The Colombian team Nu Colombia controlled the peloton to protect their leaders.
Stage 4 – Quetzaltenango › Totonicapán (138 km)
A rolling terrain stage that allowed sprinters to shine while GC teams stayed cautious. The day saw aggressive attacks and several late attempts for solo glory, but teamwork ultimately decided the sprint finish.
Stage 5 – Totonicapán › Chimaltenango (125 km)
This medium-mountain stage saw the GC group tighten. Riders who had lost time early tried to regain minutes, while favorites conserved energy for the tougher stages to come.
Stage 6 – Chimaltenango › San Juan Ostuncalco (134 km)
A decisive climbing day. With high altitudes and sustained gradients, the GC battle intensified. The top climbers used the day to assert themselves, and minute gaps began to form.
Stage 7 – San Francisco El Alto › San Pedro Sacatepéquez (137 km)
Winner: José Ramón Muñiz (Olinka Specialized) in 3h 22’48”
A tactical stage with rolling climbs and a fast descent. Muñiz’s late attack earned him a solo victory, shaking up the GC slightly but keeping overall favorites in contention.
Stage 8 – San Juan la Laguna › Tecpán (128.8 km)
Winner: Rodrigo Contreras Pinzón (Nu Colombia) in 3h 16’25”
High-altitude climbs defined this stage. Contreras timed his effort perfectly, taking the win and putting himself into the GC picture. Fredy Toc showcased home talent, finishing strong in front of local fans.
Stage 9 – Chimaltenango › Antigua Guatemala (200.3 km)
Winner: Carlos Alberto Gutiérrez (Movistar Best PC) in 4h 44’18”
The longest and most grueling stage, featuring 2,676 m of climbing. GC leader changes occurred here, with Óscar Santiago Garzón taking over the overall lead. The final climbs into Alotenango proved decisive.
Stage 10 – Guatemala City › Guatemala City (121.3 km)
Winner: Alejandro Osorio (Team Orgullo Paisa)
A celebratory circuit through Guatemala City, perfect for sprinters and breakaway specialists. The final stage preserved the GC standings, crowning Óscar Santiago Garzón (GW Erco Shimano) as the overall winner of the 2025 Vuelta a Guatemala.
Overall Results
General Classification (Top 3):
- Óscar Santiago Garzón (GW Erco Shimano) – 35h 41’39”
- Carlos Alberto Gutiérrez (Movistar Best PC) – +1’12”
- Cristian Camilo Muñoz (Nu Colombia) – +2’05”
Points Classification:
- Alejandro Osorio (Team Orgullo Paisa)
Mountains Classification:
- Yesid Albeiro Pira (Hino‑One‑La red‑Suzuki)
Young Rider Classification:
- Rising talent José Ramón Muñiz
Team Classification:
- GW Erco Shimano
Race Summary & Key Takeaways
- Climbing Domination: Colombian riders excelled in the high mountains, particularly in Stages 8 and 9, setting the GC hierarchy.
- Local Talent Rising: Guatemalan riders, most notably Fredy Toc, consistently performed well, especially on stages with local support.
- Tactical Racing: Several stages were defined by perfectly timed attacks and team strategies, such as Muñiz’s Stage 7 win and Contreras’ Stage 8 breakaway.
- GC Battle: The general classification was contested right up until Stage 9, making for an exciting penultimate day.
- Urban Finale: Stage 10 allowed sprinters and opportunists a final victory, while GC contenders celebrated a hard-fought ten days of racing.
The 2025 Vuelta a Guatemala combined strategy, endurance, and drama, highlighting the growing depth of cycling talent in Central America. Fans can look forward to seeing many of these riders return next year, with the hope of even closer battles across Guatemala’s challenging terrain.
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