If you've been into cycling for the past few years, you've probably heard the names Nairo Quintana, Egan Bernal and Rigoberto Uran (to name a few) among the best cyclists in Europe's biggest cycling races. But have you ever wondered why Colombia is producing such talented professional bike riders? Let's dive deep into Colombia's cycling culture and how its landscape has made its cyclists so successful.
Over the past decade, Colombian cyclists have had some of the most successful performances at the three Grand Tours in Europe, including the Tour de France, Giro d’Italia and Vuelta a España, as well as other one day races. Their triumphs have been particularly evident in recent years, with five victories at the Giro since 2012, two victories at the Vuelta since 2014 and podium finishes at the Tour. These accomplishments may seem surprising to many who know little about Colombia and its cyclists, but their sustained success can be traced back to their culture and the mountainous terrain of their home country.
The early success of Colombian cyclists in the 1980s
Before there was Nairo Quintana, Rigoberto Urán, Sergio Henao and Carlos Betancur, there were riders like Luis 'Lucho' Herrera and Fabio Parra. Both won stages at Tour de France in 1981. They became stars due to their physical attributes and incredible performances in the high mountain stages at the Tour. One of the main reasons for these outstanding results was because they were born in cold, high-altitude places like Bogotá and Medellín—two cities that sit at about 2,600 and 1,495 metres above sea level—and therefore had an "advantage" (if you want to call it that) over other European riders who grew up and trained in lower altitudes. Colombian cyclists have continued to capitalise on these conditions for generations by mastering high altitude training on their home roads, where oxygen is thin and helps them prepare for the racing season in Europe every year.
The role of geography in making Colombians great cyclists
All these achievements and success stems from the love and fascination with cycling that is instilled by Colombians from an early age. The sport is more than just recreational exercise - it is also a part of their culture and national identity. But what's the role of geography in making Colombians solid cyclists and climbers specifically? and Why are Colombians, many of whom live in mountainous areas, able to dominate pro-level cycling? It all comes down to a unique cultural influence and an environment that encourages biking. Many people from rural parts of Colombia are accustomed to riding up tough mountains on a daily basis. They've built up strength and endurance as part of their normal lifestyle; for them, climbing a mountain is nothing compared with what they're used to at home. The landscape isn't just good for building toughness and endurance—it also provides plenty of space for people who want to ride bikes recreationally or even take part in competitive races.
How cycling popularity has increased in recent years
With the rise of a new golden era of talented pro riders, it's no secret that the popularity of cycling in Colombia has increased significantly over recent years, particularly in cities across the Andes mountain ranges like Bogota, Medellin and Pereira a smaller city in Colombia's coffee triangle region. These cities offer unparalleled riding experiences and unique opportunities to discover Colombia's best landscapes and immerse yourself in the cycling culture. And yes, that includes drinking a good cup of coffee after every ride accompanied by some sort of cheese bread, arepa or other traditional Colombian food. And while it may seem like a stretch to link cycling and coffee in Colombia, think about what makes Colombian coffee culture so unique: coffees from different regions in Colombia all have distinct flavours that come from their natural surroundings. Coffees grown at higher altitudes have more body and sweetness; those grown at lower altitudes tend to be more fruity and floral. When you take a look at how Colombian cyclists have performed historically on European terrain, you’ll notice they too have distinct styles depending on where they’re from. The success of many Colombian cyclists comes down to their unique cultural landscape—Colombia’s steep mountains—and some serious hard work!
