Wilmar Paredes wins second stage of Vuelta a Colombia, takes overall lead

Wilmar Paredes of Team Medellín claimed victory in the second stage of the Vuelta a Colombia Sistecrédito 2026, solidifying his position as the overall leader. The 30-year-old cyclist outpaced Brandon Rojas and Felipe Bravo, both from GW Erco Sportfit, in a thrilling sprint finish.

The stage covered 169.9 kilometers, traversing the municipalities of San Agustín and Garzón in the Huila department. Paredes completed the challenging route in 3 hours, 55 minutes, and 27 seconds, narrowly beating Rojas to the line. Juan Diego Hoyos of Team Sistecrédito and Richard Huera of Best PC Ecuador finished fourth and fifth, respectively.

This victory marks a significant achievement for Paredes, who also won the first stage of the race the previous day. His consistent performance has placed him among Colombia's most successful professional cyclists. The win propels him to the top of the general classification, giving him a strong advantage early in the competition.

The 76th edition of the Vuelta a Colombia is a demanding race spanning four departments and featuring nine stages, covering a total distance of 1,473 kilometers. Paredes's early dominance sets an exciting tone for the remainder of the tour.