Commencing in Silver City, New Mexico, the elite male cyclists embarked on a grueling 92-mile (148km) journey, culminating in a mountaintop finish at the ghost town of Mogollon. A breakaway quartet consisting of David Gaona Vázquez (Team Skyline), Ignacio de Jesus Prado Juarez (Canel’s-Java), Alexis Bouchard (Team Ecoflo Chronos), and Alexander Marr (Rio Grande Elite) emerged midway through the race, establishing a significant lead of 12:50. As the peloton approached the daunting Mogollon climb, a 3.8-mile ascent with gradients reaching 19%, the breakaway trio dwindled to two as Marr struggled to maintain contact. Team Medellín and Project Echelon Racing assumed control at the front of the chase group, setting a blistering pace. On the arduous climb, the time gap rapidly diminished as Team Medellín and Project Echelon Racing riders propelled their team leaders to the forefront. Paredes, displaying exceptional strength and determination, surged ahead on the final ascent, securing a decisive victory. His teammate Vargas followed closely behind, while Stites claimed second place. Sevilla’s fourth-place finish further solidified Team Medellín’s dominance in the opening stage of the Tour of the Gila, with Para completing the top five.
Paredes Triumphs in Stage 1 of Tour of the Gila
