Marlies Mejías Delivers Cuba's First Gold at the 2026 Central American and Caribbean Games

July 26, 2026

Cuban cyclist Marlies Mejías won the women's individual time trial at the XXV Central American and Caribbean Games on Saturday, July 25, 2026, held on the Mirador Sur park circuit in Santo Domingo. The victory gave the Cuban delegation its first gold medal of the regional Games.

Mejías completed the 30-kilometer course ahead of Mexico's Sara Roel, who took silver, and Trinidad and Tobago's Teneil Campbell, who claimed bronze. The win marked the ninth Central American and Caribbean Games title of her career, following her individual pursuit gold on the track at Barranquilla 2018, eight years earlier almost to the date.

"Whether I'm here or on the moon, I will always defend Cuba — wearing these colors makes me immensely happy," Mejías said after the race, according to the Sancti Spíritus newspaper Escambray. She added that she focused on holding a steady pace throughout the course to avoid burning out too early.

Mejías, who currently rides for the women's professional team Blue Ridge TWENTY28, said she was satisfied with the result after staying active throughout the season, and said she has high expectations for the road races she is set to contest in the coming days of competition.