The city of Mérida is preparing to host one of the most anticipated events on the cycling calendar: the Gran Fondo Collado del Cóndor 2025, which will take place on March 23. In its fifth edition, it not only promises to be a challenge for cyclists, but also seeks to certify a new Guinness Record as the Race with the Longest Bicycle Climb in the World, with a 125-kilometer route that will take participants from 426 meters above sea level to the impressive 4,118 meters high, in the highest mountain pass (hill or pass) in Venezuela.

Additionally, the Gran Fondo Collado del Cóndor route (GFCDC2025) will accumulate a positive gradient of 4,500 meters; it was explained and reported at a press conference, which was attended by various specialized media and communicators.

This event will attract more than 1,000 cyclists from different parts of the world, who will face an unparalleled challenge in the heart of the Venezuelan Andes.

Four departures, one destination

Four departures have been established adapted to different levels of preparation, arranged so that all cyclists have the opportunity to crown the Collado del Cóndor, where the highest road in the country ascends.

• Mucuchíes: 26 kilometers from 2,983 meters above sea level.
• Valle Hermoso: 46 kilometers starting at 2,020 meters above sea level.
• Mérida: 80 kilometers through the majestic Sierra Nevada.
• Estanques: 125 kilometers from 426 meters high, the longest and most challenging route (distance that will be certified by the Guinness World Records)

Institutional and business collaboration

This event and positive sporting experience is possible thanks to the joint effort of the Ministry of Sport, Somos Mérida of the Corporación Merideña de Turismo, the security support of ZODI Mérida, the Venezuelan Cycling Federation, the Cycling Association of the State of Mérida, Bancamiga Banco Universal, Toyota Bridelo, Specialized Venezuela, Hotel Belensate, Valmorca, UBX Indumentaria, among other institutions and private companies. The organization is carried out by Ultrabikex, a renowned company dedicated to cycling and sports with more than 27 years in the national market.

Enriching and memorable experience

The initiative has planned, during the previous days, the delivery of kits for the participants (which include the uniform), framed in the enjoyment of the beautiful spaces of the Belensate Hotel, in which different interactive activities will be developed such as an expo that will be a showcase for sponsors, cycling products, as well as outstanding articles and services of the region, for the Power Challenge on Wahoo simulators, with live music and inspiring talks, which will guarantee the cyclists and their companions an enriching experience; described Jenny Castro, General Coordinator of the GFCDC2025, in the company of Alberto Camardiel, Director of Bancamiga.

A relevant announcement was that the Gran Fondo de Ciclismo Egan Bernal as well as the outstanding and international Colombian cyclist will be providing their support. Bernal won the Tour de France in 2019 as the first Latin American to win the Tour de France, the youngest winner in 110 years, and in 2021 he became the second Colombian to win the Giro d’Italia. Camardiel also highlighted the support and participation of Venezuelan cyclist José Rujano, considered the best male cyclist in the country’s history.

The large event not only represents an opportunity to put Mérida on the world cycling map, but is also a celebration of sport and the community. The company Ultrabikex hopes that this edition will not only break records, but also promote tourism, highlight the natural beauty of the region and boost economic activity, by attracting several thousand visitors.

At the press conference, the multi-champion national cyclist Yngrid Porras and the Venezuelan entrepreneur and former universal beauty queen Amanda Dudamel, who is an Ambassador for Bancamiga and has been preparing for her new participation in the Gran Fondo Collado del Cóndor, were present, offering testimony of their active support.

This challenge has been attended by 25% of female cyclists, and more and more are committed to enjoying it; participating, displaying and strengthening their talents, cultivated through previous training.

Video news coverage

Here is a video summary that we invite you to listen to, watch and share.

With information from Gran Fondo Collado del Cóndor 2025 and Bancamiga Banco Universal

Through direct and in-person coverage for the media of Grupo de Comunicación Digital EL SUMARIO

Audiovisual production and photographs at the press conference: Ida Febres

Images courtesy: Documentary Gran Fondo Collado del Cóndor 2024 / Organizer: Ultrabikex / Production: Raza Films

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