Cyclists Conquer World’s Longest and Highest Urban Downhill Race in Bolivia
Over 140 Bolivian and international cyclists competed in La Paz’s Challenge Downhill 4,000, the world’s longest and highest urban descent. The thrilling event featured a 4.3-kilometer route filled with colorful stairs, dirt paths, and asphalt stretches, showcasing extreme mountain biking skills.
More than 140 Bolivian and international cyclists descended thousands of colorful stairs, dirt paths, and asphalt stretches in the Challenge Downhill 4,000 this Sunday, the longest and highest urban descent in the world held in La Paz. Now in its second year, the competition featured a 4.3-kilometer course starting at the Faro Murillo in El Alto and ending at Plaza 3,600 in the southern part of La Paz.
The downhill race is an extreme form of mountain biking where competitors navigate treacherous routes at high speeds, tackling obstacles such as stairs, dirt, rocks, and ramps. The event started with six women in the first category taking the lead. “I love that they are finally supporting sports, especially downhill. It’s my second year; it’s scary, but we’ll keep going,” commented Claudia Quispe, one of the participants. She was among the first to start the descent, making the sign of the cross before heading down towards La Paz.
Following the women, young cyclists up to 23 years old took turns. These riders were more cautious, as many participated for the first time. The route began with a short stretch of asphalt and ramps but soon became more demanding, with thousands of colorful stairs cutting through neighborhoods on the western hillside of La Paz. Riders then had to navigate steep dirt terrains, often making it appear like they were descending vertically.
Next came the elite and masters categories, composed of experienced cyclists whose skill was evident in the speed and agility with which they tackled the stairs and ramps. “Go, keep going!” shouted the neighbors who had gathered along the route to cheer on the participants.
Challenges of High-Altitude Racing
The race was particularly challenging for foreign competitors due to the altitude. They faced a sudden drop from 4,010 meters above sea level in El Alto to 3,600 meters above sea level in La Paz. The abrupt elevation change added more difficulty to an already demanding course.
To ensure the safety of all participants, the Municipal Government of La Paz set up medical attention points at four locations along the route, staffed with doctors ready to handle emergencies. Additionally, rescuers were on hand to assist cyclists with their bikes in case of falls or other issues, allowing them to continue the race.
José Toro, a 19-year-old participant, entered the downhill race for the second time. Although he won his category last year, this year proved more challenging. “It was more complicated; they extended the course, and I finished with a flat tire,” he lamented, though he expressed satisfaction at completing the entire route.
The Municipal Government of La Paz organized the competition, with Mayor Iván Arias present at both the starting and finish lines. “I want to tell the people of La Paz that small dreams start like this and grow big,” he said after the race during the award ceremony.
Fabricio San Martín, the downhill race coordinator, told the EFE news agency that 147 competitors completed the race. “We are delighted with this day, full of adrenaline and adventure. One hundred forty-seven cyclists covered 4.3 kilometers downhill,” he noted. San Martín explained that the winners in each category were the first three to finish in the shortest time possible.
A Thrilling Finish and Promising Future
The winners received trophies, and all competitors were awarded medals, certifying their participation in future downhill competitions. This year’s Challenge Downhill 4,000 highlighted the thrill and intensity of extreme sports and emphasized the growing support and enthusiasm for such events in Bolivia and across Latin America.
The event’s success reflects a broader trend of increasing interest in extreme sports in the region. With its unique urban and mountainous terrain, La Paz is becoming a hotspot for adventure sports, attracting athletes and enthusiasts worldwide.
The Challenge Downhill 4,000 serves as an excellent example of how local governments and communities can support and promote sports tourism. It brings together athletes from different backgrounds and fosters a sense of camaraderie and healthy competition.
The Future of Downhill Racing in La Paz
As the event gains popularity, there are hopes for even greater participation and more challenging courses in the coming years. The positive feedback from competitors and spectators alike suggests that the Challenge Downhill 4,000 will continue to grow, potentially becoming one of the premier events in the extreme sports calendar.
Mayor Iván Arias and the Municipal Government of La Paz have expressed their commitment to supporting the event and exploring opportunities to enhance the experience for participants and fans. This includes potential collaborations with international sports organizations and expanding the event to include more activities and attractions for visitors.
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For Claudia Quispe and many other participants, the Challenge Downhill 4,000 is more than just a race; it celebrates courage, skill, and the spirit of adventure as they look forward to future editions. The excitement and adrenaline of the event promise to keep drawing enthusiasts from around the world to the vibrant streets and stunning landscapes of La Paz.
