Colombian cyclists advance to elite European racing teams

Two young Colombian cyclists are making significant moves in the international professional cycling circuit.

Juan Guillermo Martínez, a 21-year-old rider from Boyacá, has been confirmed by the Dutch team Team PostNL to compete in the 2026 Vuelta a España. Martínez, who previously finished 54th in the UCI individual classification during his debut, will have tactical freedom to pursue stage wins and compete for the youth classification. His recent form includes a 20th-place finish at the Tour of Poland and a 16th-place finish at the Vuelta al Algarve.

Separately, 19-year-old Juan David Quintero from Buga has signed with the INEOS Grenadiers Racing Academy. Following a successful stint with the Mexican team Petrolike and a victory at the Vuelta del Porvenir, Quintero joins the development squad of the British team where Egan Bernal competes, marking a major step in his transition to elite European racing.