Cuban cyclist Marlies Mejías awaits her American residency and hopes to participate in the World Championship

May 25, 2023

Cuban cyclist Marlies Mejías, who currently resides in the United States, is waiting to obtain residency in that country so she can attend the World Championship.

In an interview given to a local media outlet that is a reference in that discipline, the Cuban cyclist made known her desire to be able to participate in that competition, something that, according to her own words, "would mean a lot".

It is important to mention that, in previous years, the athlete has qualified for World Championships, but because of everything that comes with being Cuban, she has not been able to attend.

Likewise, Marlies Mejías revealed that, so far, her most important achieved objective has been attending an Olympic Games.

"Going to two Olympic Games has been the most significant. This year, being able to go to the World Championships would mean a lot. I have qualified for the World Championships before, but because I'm Cuban, I haven't been able to attend".

"Being able to go this year is one of my greatest goals, but it depends on whether I can obtain residency in the United States in time", she stated.

It should be noted that the Cuban cyclist is currently in U.S. territory with a work visa that expires in 2024, so she cannot leave the country while her residency application is being processed.

Currently 30 years old (and with 16 years of experience in this sport), Marlies Mejías has tried not to lose momentum and has remained competing at a professional level since 2017, although intermittently.

In fact, in 2022 she had victories in both the Gateway Cup and the Intelligentsia Cup. She will seek to do the same in her next challenge, which will be the Joe Martin Stage Race.

The cyclist added that she fell in love with her sport through a school program in Cuba, where she demonstrated her skills and as she improved, she became convinced that she should become a professional.