Belizean cyclist Joslyn Chavarria Jr competes in 5-stage Tour for a Just Peace in Guatemala

Joslyn Chavarria (Right) with Team Rio Grande teammate – Photo Credit: Duro al Pedal

By Rubén Morales Iglesias: Belizean cyclist Joslyn Chavarria Jr competed as part of United States’ Team Rio Grande from Colorado in the five-stage Tour for a Just Peace (Tour por la Paz Justa) in Guatemala.

“After a very awesome and grueling week of racing in elevation and altitude in Guatemala,”Chavarria wrote in a social media post on Tuesday.

“Against many countries like El Salvador, Colombia, Guatemala, Honduras, etc for the Tour por la Paz Justa, learned a lot, met some awesome American friends, cyclists that have great sportsmanship and not to forget my team manager for this event Gustavo Carrillo who gave me the opportunity as a guest rider to be a part of this amazing experience riding at a much higher level.”

Chavarria placed 60^th, 42^nd, 65^th, 41^st, and 55^th. He finished 49^th in the general classification.

The Tour por la Paz Justa had the participation of 17 teams, incluinding one each from Colombia, the United States, Honduras, and Nicaragua. The riders were from Guatemala, United States, Colombia, Nicaragua, El Salvador, Honduras, Mexico, Costa Rica, and Belize.

Joslyn Chavarria (second from right) with Team Rio Grande teammates – Photo Credit: Duro al Pedal

The five-day stage tour, run from February 14-18, started and finished in Santa Cruz del Quiché spanning five departments in the neighbouring country, namely Quiché, Chimaltenango, Sololá, Escuintla, and Sacatepéquez.

Chavarria’s teammates were Americans Conor Schunk, Torin Kray, and David Davenport. Chavarria’s brother Derrick, who already competed with Team Rio Grande, was signed up but opted to compete in the Dugi Wallet Tour in Belize, which he won.

The Tour por la Paz Justa spanned 650.9 kilometers (406.8 miles) in mountainous terrain.

“Also got to take the Time out to thank my sponsor Mr. Santino Castillo who supported me huge to be apart of this historical event and Mr. Andrew Harris the great Barry G , Mr. Lin Valentine for transportation support, Mr. Arlen Cadle Jr. my mentor, Anthony Reyes My personal mechanic, Tony Ulin , Chavarria Derrick for the hook up, Chavarria’s Family Campaign and everyone who supported me financially or in anyway possible to make this trip a success ,” Chavarria wrote.

“This is surely one for the books and definitely would love to be back. Was great representing my country Belize.”

Joslyn Chavarria (in red) in Tour por la Paz Justa in Guatemala – Photo Credit: Federación Guatemalteca de Ciclismo 

Stages:

1. Circuit in Santa Cruz del Quiché, 82.6 km.
2. San Andrés Itzapa, libramiento de Chimaltenango, Xenacoj, El Camán, Patzicía, libramiento Chimaltenango, San Andrés Itzapa, 141 km.
3. Pamezábal, six-lap circuit between El Novillero y el Mojón 135, Pamezábal, 124.7 km.
4. San Antonio Aguas Calientes, Escuintla, libramiento, Santa Lucía Cotzumalguapa (2 laps), Escuintla, Alotenango, San Antonio Aguas Calientes, 170 km.                                                                                                                                                                                                                   5. Tecpán, circuit, El Camán y Patzicía, Tecpán, 132.6 km.