The Continental Championships give top national athletes a chance to measure up against the best from other countries in their continent. These championships are an important stepping-stone between National Championships and the most prestigious international events such as World Cups and World Championships. American Continental Champs include both North and South America and 15 countries were present but we have been missing top tier riders from Canada and USA through history. Why aren't top riders like Jackson Goldstone, Finn Iles, Dak Norton, Luca Shaw, etc interested in such a top knotch race full of UCI points?
This competition logically raises the level of riding on the continent, reinforcing the sterling work carried out throughout the year by our five Continental Confederations to develop our wonderful sport. The COPACI is the Continental Confederation for Americas and the acronyms represent COnfederacion PAnamericana de CIclismo and is also an opportunity for directives to meet and choose a host for the following year.This year 15 countries had riders on the start list: Argentina, Bolivia, Brasil, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Mexico, Peru, United Sates, Uruguay, Venezuela.
For 2023 the Capital of the Inca Empire Cusco - Peru hosted the Continental DHI Championship organized by Fedepeci (Federacion Peruana de Ciclismo) the exact location was Rawanki Ecopark at the Province of Anta on the track called "Maurizio con Z" honoring the local trail builder Maurizio Acurio. The start gate was at 4,000 meters above sea level and the finish area was at 3,500 m and yes it did cost a lot to ride to your max at this altitude. This time of the year represents the transition between the dry season and the start of the raining season which is kind of late so dust was everywhere and naturally the track got eroded and beaten up with more than 2,000 rides a day.
First off, big shout out to my namesake Diego Del Rio (who is collaborating for this articles) and outstanding oldschool biker and photographer who this year had the luck to capture the best on some World Cups. Check his IG account.
Also thanks to Fred del Mal for a couple more pics in this collab.
Lucio Vellutino a Peruvian top rider who tasted World Cups this year on the welcome area of the track. Diego del RioAll smiles and no big deal for Camilo. Diego del RioThe start gate had a nice roof covered with altitude grass that Llamas and alpacas eat, it is called ICHU. Diego del RioPedro Burns at the start gate watching Sebas Alfaro ripping. Diego del RioThe finish area was at Rawankis cemetery project, guess they were looking for their first entry but we Americans scared death the whole weekend. Diego del RioThe dust was a big issue, it was almost impossible to get a complete run with out traffic or with a clear view. Diego del RioTyler Ervin form the USA suffering the visibility issues. Diego del RioPedro Rosas dancing in the ruts. Diego del RioMariano Pancorvo a professional kite surfer debuting on his first continental championship as a junior. Diego del RioThe drop to flat was a crowd favorite and broke some bikes, forks and shocks. Diego del RioValentina Roa was also a crowd favorite. Diego del RioTrail builder Maurizio Acurio got stuck with the net. Diego del RioAgurto from Chile made it look easy. Diego del RioCamilo Sanchez on one of his three crashes during the weekend. Diego del RioCamilo cleared the track on the precise moment Holguin was railing the berm. Diego del RioWe got Super Brenner, a local hero. Diego del RioBrenner Montes from Peru made the best time the weekend before the Panamerican champs. Diego del RioIrrigation channels crossing the track. Diego del RioLucas Oeschler getting framed by Tadeo Carmona an outstanding guy behind the lens. Diego del RioAltitude is not an issue if you live in Bolivia. 3rd for Yannick Wende in Masters. Diego del RioYes, Yannick is a stylish and fast rider. Fred MillanAlejandro Paz was a top contender for Masters A, 2nd for him. Diego del RioInjured rider Mateo Negri greeting and celebrating Paz's 2nd place. Diego del RioOf course Volkmar Bertchold (brother with Markolf) was also a top contender for Masters. Diego del RioNo contender could hold back Mario Jarrin from Ecuador, former Master Wold Champion. Diego del RioRivals and friends, here are your top 3 Masters. Diego del RioMaster A podium. Diego del RioMaster B podium. Diego del RioMaster C podium. Diego del RioAnother one bites the dust. Diego del RioUnder 14 podium. Fausto Saumas from Argentina taking gold. Diego del RioJuan Jaramillo taking the win in under 16. Take note of his name for the near future. Diego del RioJuan Jaramillo on the top step of the U16 podium. Diego del RioCaio Vieira from Brasil taking the junior win. Seems like all Vieiras from Brasil are real fast. Diego del RioPanamerican Championship ´23. Junior podium: P1: Caioa Vieira 3:35.638 (BRA) P2: Simon Restrepo 3:44.732 (COL) P3: Kalito Roldan 3:47.590 (MEX) Diego del RioMariana Salazar is a warrior and a crowd favorite. Dropping to 2nd. Diego del RioDue to the lack of junior women there was only 1 cat on the womens field. congratulations to Valentina Roa not only debuting on elite but on her way to 1st. Diego del RioWomens podium. Diego del RioColin Mcilyeah is no stranger to World Cups. Diego del RioSebas Alfaro had a top 3 run until the middle of the track but a flat tire held him back. Diego del RioDirty elbow for Lucio Vellutino A.K.A CHATO BRAUN meant his dreams had been displaced for a year. Diego del RioPedro Burns the only Red bull helmet on the event on his way to 6th. Diego del RioSuper Brenner on his way to 5th. Diego del RioGonzalo Gajdosech from Argentina on his way to 4th. Diego del RioFelipe Agurto from Chile on his way to 3rd. Diego del RioSebastian Holguin from Colombia on his way to 2nd. Diego del RioJuanfer Muñoz close to the win. Dont know who sorted the numbers but they guessed with 1 and 2. Diego del RioAnd Juanfer goes green for almost 5 seconds! Diego del RioColombian crowd all over Juanfer. Diego del RioThis is our new American Continental DH king. Diego del RioPanamerican Championship ´23. Elite podium: P1: Juan Muñoz 3:23.620 (COL) P2: Sebastian 3:28.430 Holguin (COL) P3: Felipe Agurto 3:31.878 (CHI) P4: Gonzalo Gajdosech 3:32.571 (ARG) P5: Brenner Montes 3:32.915 (PER) Diego del RioThis was the trophy of nations podium. Colombia made it 1st, Peru in 2nd and Brazil in 3rd. Diego del Rio
It was a spectacular show with great level. It was notorious the home crowd has grown exponentially compared to the 2016 Panamerican held in Cusco which feels like a great indicator.
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