Paraguay to Host UCI Track Cycling Copa America

16 February 2026: Track cycling is heading somewhere it rarely does — and that is part of what makes this feel significant.

In 2026, Paraguay will host a round of the UCI Track Cycling Copa America, bringing continental-level racing to Asuncion and placing South American track cycling in a different kind of spotlight.

For a country still developing its presence on the international cycling stage, the decision to stage a UCI-sanctioned event is more than a date on a calendar. It is an invitation — to riders across the Americas, to local fans who may never have seen elite track racing live, and to young cyclists who will suddenly see something bigger within reach.

The Copa America series serves as an important competitive platform across the continent, offering UCI points, international exposure and meaningful racing outside the European-dominated circuit. For many riders from Central and South America, events like this are critical stepping stones towards World Championships and Olympic qualification.

Bringing that level of racing to Paraguay suggests intent. It speaks to infrastructure, organisation and belief that the sport can grow beyond its traditional centres.

The event is expected to attract riders from across the Americas, creating a meeting point between established continental powers and developing nations eager to close the gap. The atmosphere at Copa America rounds is often intense but intimate — the kind of racing where riders are accessible, crowds are close to the boards, and every result feels personal.

For Paraguayan cycling, the opportunity extends beyond medals. Hosting a UCI event often leaves a longer imprint: local volunteers gain experience, officials sharpen their skills, and aspiring riders witness first-hand what international standards look like.

There is also something symbolic about track cycling travelling further across the map. While Europe continues to dominate the global narrative, moments like this quietly broaden the geography of the sport.

The boards in Asuncion will carry stories that stretch beyond lap times — of athletes chasing points, of nations building programmes, and of a country stepping into a larger role within continental cycling.

In 2026, the Copa America will arrive in Paraguay. And for a few days at least, the centre of American track cycling will shift south.

This article is an independent summary of reporting originally published by the Asuncion Times

Written by the TrackCycling.org Editorial Team