The Dominican Republic is bracing for the high-octane return of its most storied cycling event. The Dominican Cycling Federation (FEDOCI) has officially released the six-stage route for the 47th Vuelta Ciclistica Internacional Independencia Nacional, set to sweep across the country from 24 February to 1 March 2026.
The Vuelta Ciclistica Independencia Nacional is widely considered the crown jewel of Dominican cycling and is a top-tier regional event known for its grueling stage races. The race is the longest and offers the most diverse terrain challenges.
For 2026, the race has regained its UCI 2.2 classification. This is a major distinction; many regional races are “National Events,” but a UCI ranking allows professional teams to earn international points, which significantly boosts the quality of the peloton.
What makes the Dominican cycling race stand apart when compared to other biking races in the Caribbean is the diverse climatic and geographic diversity that challenges the competitors. While many Caribbean races are flat coast-to-coast affairs, the Dominican Republic’s mountainous topography offers climbs (like the stage to Rancho Arriba) that are far more punishing than those found in Puerto Rico or The Bahamas.
This year’s edition is more than just a patriotic tradition; it serves as a critical scouting ground for the national pre-selection team ahead of the 2026 Central American and Caribbean Games, which the Dominican Republic will host later this summer.
The route: Six days of grit and glory
According to FEDOCI president Jorge Blas Díaz, the course is designed to test every discipline —from lightning-fast sprinters to the “mountain goats” of the peloton.
The stages
Stage 1, 24 February: Santo Domingo-San Pedro de Macorís-La Romana (117 km)
Stage 2, 25 February: Santo Domingo-Baní, Circunvalación, Santo Domingo (153 km)
Stage 3, 26 February: Santo Domingo-Rancho Arriba, San José de Ocoa (158 km)
Stage 4, 27 Feb 27: Circuito Parque Mirador Sur (140km)
Stage 5, 28 February: Santo Domingo-Circunvalación Santo Domingo Norte (138 km)
Stage 6, 1 March: Circuito área monumental de Santiago (131 km)
A global peloton
The 2026 race is shaping up to be a true international showdown. Federation officials confirmed that 15 international teams are slated to compete, joining the top local talent.
The visitors include strong contingents from Colombia (including the formidable Team Medellín), Venezuela, Puerto Rico, Canada, and Guadeloupe.
Competing for the Dominican Republic are well known cyclists, including Ismael Sánchez, William Guzmán, and Rafael Germán Merán.
“The level of competition this year will be exceptionally high,” stated Jorge Blas Díaz via El Nuevo Diario. “Our stages are crafted so that sprinters, climbers, and all-rounders alike can showcase their best.”
The event concludes with a grand finale and awards ceremony on 1 March, crowning the leaders of the Individual General Classification, Mountain, Points, and “Metas Volantes” categories.
Read more in Spanish:
El Nuevo Diario
11 February 2026