Derrick Chavarria
By Rubén Morales Iglesias: 
Belizean cyclist Derrick Chavarría, riding for Panamanian squad TaG Cycling, had a powerful performance in the opening stage of the 45th Tour of Chiriquí, finishing second in a tight sprint behind Costa Rica’s Pablo Mudarra.
The 140.8 km route from David to San Félix and Las Lomas ended in a dramatic dash to the line, with Chavarría clocking 3 hours, 13 minutes, 24 seconds — the same time as Mudarra and his fellow Costa Rican riders Alejandro Granados (3rd) and Daniel Bonilla (4th).
A Sprint to Remember
The final kilometers saw the peloton battling for position, but Mudarra edged out Chavarría in the sprint finish. Still, the Belizean rider’s podium result reflects his growing presence in regional cycling and gave TaG Cycling an early boost in the standings.
Regional Stars in the Mix
Honduran rider Luis López, winner of Belize’s 2024 Holy Saturday Cross Country Cycling Classic and now competing with Costa Rican team Lanza Te-La Sekva-Scott, placed 8th, finishing 21 seconds behind the leaders.
The Road Ahead
The Tour of Chiriquí, running from November 21–28, features eight demanding stages:
Stages of the Tour of Chiriquí 2025
- Stage 1: David – San Félix – Las Lomas (140.8 km)
- Stage 2: Volcán Closed Circuit – 15 laps of 5.5 km (82.5 km)
- Stage 3: David Sur Closed Circuit – 20 laps of 4.1 km (82.0 km)
- Stage 4: David – Finca Blanco – La Concepción (137.1 km)
- Stage 5: David – Gariche – Solano – Volcán (101.0 km)
- Stage 6: David – San Andrés Entrance – San Pablo – Potrerillos – La Chancleta (126.8 km)
- Stage 7: Individual Time Trial – Chiriquí – Punta Tierra – Chiriquí (19.3 km)
- Stage 8: Barrio Bolívar TELCA Closed Circuit – 20 laps of 3.86 km (77.2 km)
Belizean Pride on Display
Chavarría’s strong ride in Stage 1 not only highlights his personal form but also shines a spotlight on Belizean cycling within one of Central America’s most prestigious races. His performance sets the stage for an exciting week as riders tackle the mountains, circuits, and time trials of Chiriquí.
The post Belizean cyclist Derrick Chavarría takes second in Stage 1 of Tour of Chiriquí in Panama appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
Derrick Chavarria By Rubén Morales Iglesias: 🚴 Belizean cyclist Derrick Chavarría, riding for Panamanian squad TaG Cycling, had a powerful performance in the opening stage of the 45th Tour of Chiriquí, finishing second in a tight sprint behind Costa Rica’s Pablo Mudarra. The 140.8 km route from David to San Félix and Las Lomas ended
The post Belizean cyclist Derrick Chavarría takes second in Stage 1 of Tour of Chiriquí in Panama appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
