Regional Triathlon Cup: A Wonderful Experience in Asunción

Asunción, Paraguay, buzzed with international athletic energy this past weekend as the capital city hosted its first-ever international triathlon events. The Regional Development Cup and the World Triathlon Cup "Asunción 2026" brought athletes from across the continent to El Delta, showcasing Paraguay's growing role in global sports.

The competition also served as a platform for a Pan-American Development Camp, drawing participants from 31 nations. This high-level preparation event, utilizing the Paraguayan Olympic Committee facilities, focused on nurturing junior and U23 talent. The camp's activities will continue in Lima, Peru, as part of World Triathlon's continental development pathway.

In the elite Asunción Cup races, the challenging course involved a 750-meter swim, a 20-kilometer bike ride, and a 5-kilometer run. Costa Rica's Valeria Arce Núñez claimed the women's gold medal with a time of 1:07:05, followed by Manuela Ortega Arteaga of Ecuador and Federica Carletto of Argentina. Paraguay's own Ana Victoria Portillo Prono finished a respectable sixth.

The men's race saw Marcos Alejandro Fernández González of Cuba emerge victorious in 58:22. He was closely followed by Argentina's Bautista Arbizu and Venezuela's Aaron Jesús Hernández Morales, who finished just seconds behind. Several members of Team Paraguay also completed the demanding course, contributing to the vibrant international atmosphere.