The twelfth edition of Santísimo Downhill marked a major milestone for mountain biking in the Americas, serving as an official stop of the American Continental Series MTB and a qualifying event for the international circuit. Known for its technical terrain and high-speed descents, the race has become one of the most respected downhill competitions in South America.
The 2026 edition took place in Chicon, Urubamba, Cusco, where more than 280 riders gathered to compete on a demanding course set above 3,000 meters (9,840 feet) above sea level. Over several days of practice, qualifiers, and finals, athletes from across the continent faced one of Peru’s most challenging downhill tracks in a showcase of speed, skill, and determination.
Explore everything about one of the most popular downhill competitions in Peru
- Santísimo Downhill: A Key Event in the Continental Series
- Inside the Santísimo Downhill 2026 Competition
- Santísimo Downhill 2026 Results and Top Performances
- Machu Travel Foundation at Santísimo Downhill 2026
Santísimo Downhill: A Key Event in the Continental Series
For many years, continental championships were decided through single-day races. That structure changed when the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) introduced the Continental Series, a points-based format featuring multiple races throughout each region. Riders now earn ranking points across several events, with top performances helping secure access to the World Cup circuit.
This new structure led to the creation of the American Continental Series MTB, bringing together elite riders and internationally recognized competitions across North, Central, and South America.
Within this framework, Santísimo Downhill was included as one of the standout races on the calendar. Its addition to the series confirmed the event’s growing prestige and competitive level, while placing Urubamba, Cusco firmly on the international downhill map. As one of the key dates of the season, the race also served as a stepping stone toward upcoming continental events, including future rounds in countries such as Guatemala.
Why Urubamba Is Perfect for Downhill Racing
Downhill mountain biking is one of the most extreme disciplines in cycling. Riders race individually against the clock, descending steep terrain filled with jumps, berms, drops, rock gardens, and technical sections. Victory depends on a combination of speed, bike control, line selection, and mental focus.
Urubamba offers ideal conditions for this discipline. The region’s mountainous terrain, altitude, changing weather, and natural gradients create a course that tests both technical ability and physical endurance. With the stunning Andes as a backdrop, races in Urubamba combine world-class competition with one of the most spectacular landscapes in Peru.
Inside the Santísimo Downhill 2026 Competition
The main event was held on April 26, 2026, in the Chicon district of Urubamba, Peru. More than 280 riders from Peru and abroad took part in an exciting weekend of racing. A total of 19 categories were included: 4 official UCI categories and 15 promotional and amateur divisions. This format allowed elite international athletes, local riders, junior talents, and masters competitors to race in the same event atmosphere.
The final race day delivered intense action on a steep and technical course located near the base of the Chicon snow-capped mountain. Riders described the field as one of the strongest in recent years, with increased international participation and a highly competitive level across categories. The event was organized by the Peruvian National Cycling Federation (FDPC) and local authorities, with recognition from the UCI and the Pan American Cycling Confederation (COPACI).
Santísimo Downhill 2026 Results and Top Performances
International riders dominated many of the UCI divisions, producing world-class times throughout the day. One of the standout performances came in the UCI Elite Men’s category, where Gonzalo Gajdosech (Argentina) became champion and broke the three-minute barrier with an impressive run of 2:57.540. Another remarkable result came from Augusto Wening (Brazil), who won the UCI Junior Men’s category and posted the second-fastest overall time of the entire event.
The event also celebrated strong performances across developmental and community categories, highlighting the depth of downhill talent in the region. These categories are essential for growing the sport, giving young riders and amateur competitors valuable race experience. Among the winners were: Mateo Cárdenas (Ecuador) – Sub 13, Teo Reitz (Ecuador) – Sub 15, and Iván Hidrobo (Ecuador) – Sub 17.
Machu Travel Foundation at Santísimo Downhill 2026
The Machu Travel Foundation was proudly represented at Santísimo Downhill 2026 through several of its ambassadors, who delivered excellent performances throughout the event. One of the top highlights came from Mateo Cardenas, who won the Under 13 category with a winning time of 3:47.924, confirming his status as one of the most promising young riders in the region.
Other strong performances included: Gabriel Huamani (Under 17) 4:15.042, Nickolas Morales – 3:17.905, and Agustin Forcade – 3:37.20 in the UCI Elite Men. Their participation reflects the foundation’s mission of supporting young athletes through competition opportunities, mentorship, and long-term development.
Results like these demonstrate the value of sustained support for emerging talent. Through consistent guidance and access to major competitions, young riders can continue developing their skills while gaining confidence on larger stages. The Machu Travel Foundation continues to promote cycling not only as a sport but also as a tool for personal growth, discipline, and opportunity.
Machu Travel Foundation Ambassadors Share Their Experience
Beyond the race results, Santísimo Downhill 2026 also left unforgettable memories for the ambassadors of the Machu Travel Foundation. Their experiences reflect the emotional impact of competition, the value of support systems, and the motivation to continue growing both as athletes and individuals. Below, we present some of their experiences:
Mateo Cardenas described his victory as a moment of great pride and excitement. Winning first place in a highly competitive category, with very close times between riders, made the achievement even more rewarding. He was especially proud of his qualifying run and final descent, where he was able to perform at a high level under pressure. Carrying the flag of his country to the podium was an emotional moment, and receiving his medals became a memory he will cherish for years to come.
Gabriel Huamani also shared his appreciation for the experience, expressing gratitude to the Machu Travel Foundation for its continued support. For him, participating in the event was an unforgettable opportunity that strengthened both his confidence and determination. He remains focused on new goals, future competitions, and continued improvement as an athlete, showing the mindset needed to keep progressing in the sport.
“THE NEXT GENERATION OF RIDERS IS SHAPING THE FUTURE OF MOUNTAIN BIKING”
Santísimo Downhill 2026 once again proved why it is one of the premier downhill events in South America. With elite international competition, rising young talents, and a spectacular setting in Cusco, the event delivered another unforgettable edition. For the Machu Travel Foundation, the success of its ambassadors was another example of what can be achieved when talent meets opportunity. As the sport continues to grow, events like Santísimo Downhill and organizations committed to youth development will remain essential to the future of cycling in the Americas.
