Neither the cold weather of Lima could turn down the mood and excitement of almost 500 spectators among family, friends, and fans, who came early in the morning to find the perfect location and encourage bikers to succeed in the Cross Country event at the Morro Solar circuit in Chorrillos.

The women's competition started at 09:00 in a professional circuit of 30 km, where a total of 14 athletes rode through complicated hills, extreme obstacles, and blind and narrow curves in a total of six laps. But they felt the road less difficult because fans were cheering them on.

Mexico's Daniela Campuzano won the gold medal, Argentina's Sofia Gomez won silver, and Brazil's Jaqueline Mourão bronze. Peru's Lucero Rubio, 20 years old, did not make it to the podium but fans clapped enthusiastically and took pictures with her when the competition finished.

“It’s my first Pan American Games, and I feel thrilled to have had the chance to compete with girls who are in the world’s top.  I was motivated due to the fans' energy; the circuit was great;and I want to thank the Federation for its support,” Lucero stated.  

As for the men’s competition, which started at 10:30, a total of 20 athletes competed at a circuit that included seven laps of 4 km each. The race was demanding, and athletes required both technique and physical endurance.

Mexico's José Ulloa, who arrived at the finish line with no complications, was awarded the gold medal. Brazil's Henrique Da Silva was awarded the silver medal and Chile's Martin Vidaurre, bronze. Peruvians Rolando Retamozo and Alexander Urbina competed at challenging Morro Solar circuit and were ultimately disqualified from the competition.

Undoubtedly, it was an adrenaline-filled morning both for athletes and fans, who never stopped encouraging the competitors. 

Mountain cycling, known worldwide as mountain bike (MTB), is a discipline in which women and men compete separately on a natural trail, mainly mountainous, with technical sections of climbs, descents and plains. Athletes ride their bikes over various obstacles such as rocks, trunks, narrow areas (single track), at full speed. It is a highly impressive demonstration of strength and precision.

It is worth mentioning that more than 94 volunteers were supervising this competition for spectators to have a pleasant experience. Over 90 police officers were in charge of the sports event security, and four ambulances and a tent of the Peruvian Ministry of Health looked after the health of the attendees.

Dozens of people experienced the triathlon events for the first time on the Chorrillos esplanade and its surroundings. They watched this challenging sports discipline today as part of the Lima 2019 Pan American Games. The Brazil and Mexico athletes won gold medals in the men’s and women’s events, respectively.

The competitions took place in the Costa Verde beach circuit, between Barranco and Chorrillos. The women’s and men's categories started at 10:00 and 13:00, respectively. Triathlon comprises three sport disciplines:1.5 km swim, 40 km bike ride, and 10 km run.

The spectators cheered the athletes on with great enthusiasm. They also respected pedestrian and vehicular access, which was restricted in several areas. Peruvian and foreign fans, wearing colors of the flags of the Americas, cheered on and gave their fellow nationals a big round of applause as they passed through the streets. Children, young people, seniors and families all gathered at Agua Dulce Beach.

The winners in the women’s event were the gold medalist Luisa Baptista and the silver medalist Vittoria Lopes, both from Brazil. As for the Mexican Cecilia Perez, she earned the bronze medal. The Peruvian athlete Ada Bravo placed twentieth, while Blanca Kometter, also from Peru, left the competition.

In the men’s event, the Mexican Crisanto Grajales and the Brazilian Manoel Messias received the gold and silver medals, respectively. The bronze medal was awarded to the Argentinian Luciano Taccone. Peruvians Rodrigo Bravo and José Gómez de la Torre finished 23rd and 24th, respectively.

The swimming part was held at Agua Dulce Beach in Chorrillos. They swam two 350-meter laps offshore, 50 meters parallel to the shore and 350 meters to return. Then, the 40-kilometer cycling competition began. Triathletes rode six laps starting from Agua Dulce Beach until Huaylas Avenue, heading to the Malecón Grau, where they made a “U” turn, in anti-clockwise direction, to go towards the curve of Los Pavos Beach

Competitors will test their endurance on July 29 in the relay event starting at 09:00.

About Lima 2019

The Opening Ceremony of the Lima 2019 Pan American Games was held at the National Stadium on July 26, 2019. This continental event will gather over 6680 athletes from 41 countries from the Americas.

There will be 17 days of competitions and ceremonies between July 26 and August 11, which will take place in 14 districts of Lima and Callao at various venues like the National Sports Village (VIDENA), Villa Maria Sports Center, Callao Regional Sports Village, Villa El Salvador Sports Center, Punta Rocas, among others.

The Lima 2019 Pan American Games will include 39 sports and 61 disciplines, in which athletes will compete for gold, silver and bronze medals. A total of 21 disciplines are qualifiers for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games.

The Parapan American Games will gather 1890 Para athletes from 33 countries, participating in 17 sports and 18 disciplines. Competitions will take place from August 23 to September 1, 2019. Additionally, 13 Para sports will be qualifiers for the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games.