The Gran Fondo Collado del Cóndor take place is one of the most important cycling events in the region, with the participation of more than 750 cyclists from all over the country. This cross-country cycling challenge, organized by Ultrabikex with the support of state agencies, offered participants a challenging route, which included an ascent of more than 4,500 meters in accumulated altimetry to the top of Collado del Cóndor, one of the most emblematic places in the region.
The cyclists started from 3 exits located at different distances from Collado del Cóndor: 125 km with exit in the town of Estanques, 75 km with exit in the city of Mérida and 25 km with exit in Plaza Bolívar de Mucuchíes. The participants had to overcome this route, between landscapes that changed ecosystems due to the difference in altitude that went from 456 meters above sea level to 4118 meters above sea level, in a great sporting challenge that tested their resistance and skill, but especially their will to participate. to crown the highest mountain pass in the country.
In 2023, Marlene Goncalves achieved a time of 6 hours and 58 minutes, being the first woman of the distance of 125 km to reach the finish line and Alfonso Márquez was the first of the same distance, with a time of 6 hours and 17 minutes, becoming the best time achieved in the 3 editions of the Gran Fondo Collado del Cóndor. The logistics of the event included 80 collaborators, the deployment of more than 120 security and civil protection officials and hosted more than 1,500 people in total, being a resounding success with which it is expected that in the coming years it will continue to be one of the most important cycling events in the country and become an international reference Gran Fondo.
The organizers of the event expressed their satisfaction with the positive response from the public and the large number of participants, as well as the support received from the inhabitants of the towns along the route, who, with applause and cheerful slogans, encouraged the participants during all the way. Camilo González, General Manager of Ultrabikex, ratified the company's commitment to continue working to consolidate this great sporting event and continue to grow each year for the benefit of the community and sports tourism in the region. Likewise, he thanked all the people, sponsoring companies and institutions that made the Gran Fondo Collado del Cóndor possible. González extended the invitation to the next challenge, the exciting Gran Fondo Orinokia that will take place in the month of November in the city of Puerto Ordaz “This Gran Fondo is an event with the Ultrabikex seal that offers a great opportunity to pedal on a route with majestic landscapes , one of the most impressive in the east of the country because among other moments, we will live the experience of crossing the Caroní and Orinoco rivers with our companions on the route, the bicycles.”
"He indicated that the same format of different distances 130 km and 180 km to give cyclists of all levels the opportunity to live an unforgettable experience."