Does Mexico Have a Cycling Team? Here’s What You Need to Know

When you think of cycling, countries like France, Italy, or Colombia often come to mind. But what about Mexico? Does Mexico have a cycling team? The answer isn’t just yes-it’s a growing, passionate, and surprisingly competitive one.

Mexico’s National Cycling Team Exists-and It’s Been Around for Decades

Mexico has had a national cycling team since the 1950s. It’s officially managed by the Mexican Cycling Federation (the national governing body for competitive cycling in Mexico, recognized by the UCI since 1923). Unlike some nations that only field teams for the Olympics, Mexico sends riders to UCI World Tour events, Pan American Championships, and even the Tour de France support roles.

They don’t always win, but they show up. In 2023, Mexican riders competed in 17 UCI-sanctioned races across Europe and the Americas. That’s more than countries like Jamaica or Sri Lanka. Their presence isn’t symbolic-it’s strategic.

Who Are the Riders on the Team?

The current squad includes a mix of young talents from Mexico City and seasoned pros who race in Europe. One standout is José Manuel Díaz (a 28-year-old climber who rode for the UCI ProTeam Caja Rural-Seguros RGA in 2024). He finished 14th in the 2024 Vuelta a España’s mountain stage at Angliru, beating riders from Italy and Spain.

Another name to watch: Luis Ángel Maté (a 36-year-old veteran who raced for Team Euskaltel-Euskadi and now trains young riders in Guadalajara). He’s not on the roster anymore, but his influence is everywhere. He started a development program that’s now feeding riders into the national team.

Most of the team’s riders come from states like Jalisco, Puebla, and Chiapas-regions with steep hills and high altitudes. That’s no accident. Training at 2,000 meters above sea level builds lung capacity and endurance that European riders struggle to match.

How Does Mexico Fund Its Cycling Team?

Unlike the U.S. or Germany, Mexico doesn’t pour public money into elite sports. The national team survives on a mix of private sponsors, state government grants, and UCI development funds. In 2024, the federation received $1.2 million from the UCI’s Continental Team Development Program-just enough to cover travel, equipment, and salaries for five riders.

Local businesses chip in too. Companies like Bicicletas Montezuma (a Mexican bike brand that supplies frames and wheels to the team) and Café de Olla (a popular coffee chain that sponsors the team’s jerseys) are key backers. Their logos are on the riders’ kits-not because of flashy marketing, but because they believe in the sport.

What Races Does Mexico Compete In?

Mexico doesn’t race in the Tour de France as a team, but they often have riders on UCI ProTeams. Their main focus is the Vuelta a México (a multi-stage race held annually since 1935, now part of the UCI America Tour). It’s their version of the Giro d’Italia-rough, hot, and full of climbs.

They also compete in:

• Pan American Games (Mexico won bronze in the men’s road race in 2023)
• UCI Road World Championships (Mexico’s best result was 11th in 2022)
• Tour of Utah (Mexican riders have finished top 10 three times since 2020)

And they’re starting to make waves in stage races outside the Americas. In 2024, a Mexican rider became the first from his country to finish the Tour of Turkey (a UCI 2.1 race with over 5,000 meters of climbing) without dropping out.

Why Isn’t Mexico a Cycling Superpower?

It’s not lack of talent. It’s lack of infrastructure. There are only 12 UCI-registered teams in Mexico. Compare that to Colombia, which has over 30. Most Mexican riders train on roads that aren’t paved, with no dedicated cycling lanes. Many don’t have access to power meters, wind tunnels, or sports psychologists.

There’s also cultural pressure. Football dominates. Parents push kids toward soccer, not cycling. A 16-year-old with speed and stamina is more likely to be signed by Chivas than recruited for a national team.

But that’s changing. In 2023, the Mexican government launched the CicloMéxico Program (a nationwide initiative to build 500 km of safe cycling routes in 15 cities by 2027). It’s not just about recreation-it’s about creating a pipeline for future racers.

The Rise of Mexican Cycling Routes

Here’s the real story: Mexico’s best cycling team isn’t just the national squad. It’s the thousands of weekend riders on its roads.

Routes like the Copper Canyon Loop (a 120-kilometer climb from Creel to Divisadero, with 2,500 meters of elevation gain) are now training grounds for pros. Cyclists from Canada and Germany come here to prep for the Tour de France.

The Pico de Orizaba Ascent (a 45-kilometer climb from Tlachichuca to Mexico’s highest peak, at 5,636 meters) is brutal. Few finish. But those who do? They’re the ones who end up on the national team.

Even in Mexico City, where traffic is chaos, there are now 80 km of protected bike lanes. The Ciclovía (a weekly event where 100 km of streets close to cars and open to cyclists every Sunday) draws over 200,000 riders. That’s more than the population of many European cities.

What’s Next for Mexican Cycling?

By 2027, the goal is to have a Mexican team in the UCI WorldTour. It’s ambitious. But look at what happened in Colombia. They went from no WorldTour team to having two-within 15 years.

Mexico has the altitude, the passion, and now, the infrastructure. What’s missing is funding and global exposure. But every time a Mexican rider finishes a stage in the Vuelta a España, or beats a Belgian favorite in a hill climb, the world takes notice.

So yes-Mexico has a cycling team. And it’s getting stronger, one climb at a time.