The Vuelta Ciclística Independencia Nacional is gearing up for its 47th edition. The Dominican Republic’s premier cycling event is scheduled to run from 23 February to 1 March 2026, once again positioning the country as a key destination for international competitive cycling.
Jorge Blas, president of the Dominican Cycling Federation (Fedoci), confirmed that the event is expected to feature 15 international teams alongside 10 local squads.
For Dominican athletes, this edition carries significant weight beyond the trophy. The Vuelta will serve as the primary training ground and selection trial for the 2026 Central American and Caribbean Games, which Santo Domingo will host later that summer (24 July – 8 August 2026).
“This 47th edition is expected to provide elite-level preparation for our national cyclists as they look toward the Central American and Caribbean Games and other major commitments on the 2026 calendar,” said Blas.
In a move that elevates the race’s prestige and tourism appeal, Fedoci reports it is finalizing the event’s re-entry into the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) global calendar. The interest in rejoining is that the UCI status allows riders to earn international ranking points and thus the race attracts better-ranked competitors. Likewise, the sanctioning makes the race more attractive to professional continental teams.
While the specific mileage for the seven-stage race will be released in the coming weeks, the organizers have confirmed a high-profile finale. Several international teams have already applied for entry, following the 2025 victory by Spanish-Colombian veteran Oscar Sevilla (Team Medellín-EPM).
The closing circuit is planned for the iconic Monument to the Heroes of the Restoration in Santiago, a landmark destination for sports fans and tourists alike.
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Diario Libre
7 January 2026