Team PACT on TRAK cross finish line at Banana Bank to complete first stage. Photo Credit: Love FM Live Stream Screenshot
By Rubén Morales Iglesias: Team PACT on TRAK surged to victory on Friday morning as the 2026 Belikin La Ruta Maya Belize River Challenge got under way from the Hawkesworth Bridge in San Ignacio, taking the early lead on the gruelling San Ignacio–Banana Bank stage.
PACT on TRAK, powered by Amado Cruz, Enrique Cruz, and Cristian Lopez, set a strong pace from the start and held off a determined chase from the top contenders.
They were followed by Black Orchid Resort — featuring Carlos Linares, Brandon Lind, and Jesus Linares — in second place, while Team Riverside Boys — Henner Cruz, Efrain Cruz, and Brian Cruz — secured third.
Top 8 – Leg 1 (Unofficial)
- Team PACT on TRAK (Amado Cruz, Enrique Cruz, Cristian Lopez)
- Black Orchid Resort (Carlos Linares, Brandon Lind, Jesus Linares)
- Team Riverside Boys (Henner Cruz, Efrain Cruz, Brian Cruz)
- Ranza River Cruisers
- C2 River Blazer Bros — (Andres Cabb and Javier Guardado) the first two‑man team ever to crack the top ten; both paddlers previously raced with the Slim & Trim Like Guava Limb dynasty
- Lucas Oil
- Lucas Oil Mixed
- Team Brothers
Historic Performance From C2 River Blazer Bro’s
According to Love FM, the standout story of the day came from C2 River Blazer Bro’s (Andres Cabb and Javier Guardado), who finished fifth overall, making them the first two‑man team in race history to place in the top ten on the opening leg.
Race Continues Under Finish‑Line Dispute
This year’s race unfolds amid a major dispute over the organizers’ decision to move the traditional finish from the Belcan Bridge in Belize City to the Grand Resort near the Haulover Bridge.
The Belize Canoe Association (BCA) says paddlers will comply with all official checkpoints to avoid disqualification but will stage a symbolic protest on Monday by paddling from the official finish to Belcan Bridge, where the race has traditionally ended.
The controversy has dominated public discussion, even as the paddlers focus on the river ahead.
Looking Ahead to Day 2
The race resumes on Saturday with the long and demanding Banana Bank to Double Head Cabbage leg — a stage known for reshuffling the standings and testing endurance, teamwork, and river strategy.
The post Team PACT on TRAK win opening leg of the 2026 La Ruta Maya Belize River Challenge appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
Team PACT on TRAK cross finish line at Banana Bank to complete first stage. Photo Credit: Love FM Live Stream Screenshot By Rubén Morales Iglesias: Team PACT on TRAK surged to victory on Friday morning as the 2026 Belikin La Ruta Maya Belize River Challenge got under way from the Hawkesworth Bridge in San Ignacio,
The post Team PACT on TRAK win opening leg of the 2026 La Ruta Maya Belize River Challenge appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
