Colombian cycling celebrated one of its most memorable events this weekend with the 2025 Giro de Rigo, a historic edition that turned Barranquilla and the Atlantico region into the epicenter of sport, culture, and Caribbean joy. From Oct. 31 to Nov. 2, more than 8,000 cyclists from 28 countries rode through the landscapes and municipalities of Atlantico in an experience that blended athletic endurance with the flavor and energy of Colombia’s Caribbean coast.
Rigoberto Uran, host and creator of the event, fulfilled his promise to bring the Giro to “La Arenosa” with a special edition called “El Carnaval,” where cycling merged with gastronomy, music, and the traditions that make this region a symbol of happiness.
Route of Giro de Rigo in Barranquilla
The starting point was the Gran Malecon del Rio, where thousands of spectators gathered to cheer for the two main challenges: The Reto Curramba, won by David Gutierrez and Angelica Uribe, and the Reto Guacherna, whose champions were Daniel Torres and Katherin Jaraba.
The 165-kilometer route crossed towns such as Puerto Colombia, Piojo, Usiacuri, Juan de Acosta, and Tubara, offering breathtaking views and a festive atmosphere at every hydration point. Music bands, dance troupes, and folk groups greeted the cyclists, making the event feel less like a competition and more like a vibrant community celebration.
Economic impact of the Giro de Rigo
Beyond the sporting spectacle, the 2025 Giro de Rigo generated an unprecedented economic impact in the region. According to official estimates, the event brought in between 60 and 70 billion Colombian pesos (US$15-US$18 million) in revenue for Barranquilla and Atlantico, boosting key sectors such as tourism, hospitality, gastronomy, and retail.
Throughout the weekend, hotel occupancy exceeded 90%, with more than 22,500 national and international visitors arriving in the city. Restaurants, bars, and shops reported significant sales growth, while the event achieved social media engagement comparable to the Barranquilla Carnival.
The event’s success — supported by the Barranquilla City Hall and the Atlantico Government — was praised by both participants and international cycling stars. Among the special guests were champions Egan Bernal, Nairo Quintana, Fabio Aru, and Vincenzo Nibali, who joined Uran to share miles, smiles, and autographs with fans.
Visibly emotional at the close of the event, Uran stated: “Barranquilla deserved a Giro like this — full of energy, music, and Colombian flavor,” highlighting the crowd’s enthusiasm and the commitment of local authorities. “This Giro wasn’t just about sport — it was a reflection of who we are as a country: joyful, hardworking, and passionate people,” said the Antioquian rider.
The Caribbean pedals toward the future
The 2025 Giro de Rigo established Barranquilla as a new benchmark for sports tourism in Colombia and the Caribbean. Local authorities already anticipate that the event could return in future years, thanks to its outstanding organization and growing international recognition.
Beyond the competition itself, the three-day celebration proved that cycling can serve as a vehicle for promoting tourism, strengthening the economy, and celebrating the cultural identity of a region. With a perfect mix of sport and tradition, Rigoberto Uran made history once again, bringing his passion for cycling to the streets of Colombia’s Caribbean coast and raising his country’s name high before the world.
Rigoberto Uran: Two decades of glory on wheels
Known as “El Toro de Urrao”, Rigoberto Uran is one of the most iconic figures in Colombian sports history. His career, spanning more than two decades, saw him reach podiums in all three Grand Tours and leave an indelible mark on world cycling. A silver medalist at the 2012 London Olympic Games, two-time runner-up at the Giro d’Italia (2013 and 2014), and second place at the 2017 Tour de France, Urán combined talent, discipline, and charisma to become a true international reference.
Throughout his professional journey, he raced for top-tier teams such as Sky Procycling, Quick Step, and EF Education, earning stage victories in the Giro d’Italia, Tour de France, and Vuelta a España. After retiring in 2024, the Colombian star continues to inspire new generations through the Giro de Rigo, an event that fuses sport, culture, and tourism — reaffirming his legacy as a symbol of Colombian cycling and an ambassador of his country’s boundless joy.