Marlies Mejías Aims for LA Olympics with Renewed Dedication
Cyclist Marlies Mejías, a mother, teacher, and speedster, is set to return to the Olympic Games following her road and track victories with the US team
Marlies Mejías, the Cuban-born professional cyclist, continues to make waves in the world of cycling, both on the road and on the track. Her recent successes include a silver medal win at the Pan American Track Championships in Paraguay, a testament to her explosive riding style that sets her apart in any women's event.
Mejías' journey began in a rural part of Cuba, where she shared her first bike with her sister. Despite the humble beginnings, she went on to join a cycling academy at the age of 13 and quickly showed promise, winning the Cuban Junior National Championship in 2007. This achievement allowed her to attend the national academy in Havana and set the stage for her international career.
Mejías has since represented Cuba in various international competitions, including the Pan American Championships. In 2025, she won a silver medal in the Scratch race at the Pan American Championships in Paraguay. She has also competed in the Olympics twice, in 2012 and 2016, and is planning to represent Cuba again at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games.
Mejías' success extends beyond the track. She has been a notable contender and winner in professional women's races in the USA, such as the American Criterium Cup and the Bucks County Classic. Her presence in US cycling circuits highlights her transition from a Cuban junior and Olympic cyclist to a mentor and accomplished competitor in North American professional cycling.
This year, Mejías returned to Cuba to compete on home soil for the first time in seven years. She won both the road race and time trial titles, marking a significant achievement in her career. She has also been training in Colorado Springs, Colorado, in preparation for her upcoming competitions.
Off the bike, Mejías is a dedicated mother, with her top goal being to ensure her daughter, Marieth, has the freedom and opportunities to achieve her dreams. She balances her athletic career alongside her roles as a mentor, emphasizing her strong personal story of determination and growth.
Mejías' teammates, Olivia Cummins, Emily Ehrlich, Bethany Ingram, and Reagen Patishall, joined her in winning a gold medal in the Team Pursuit at the same event. Ehrlich also won gold in the Individual Pursuit at the 2025 Pan American Championships.
Mejías is planning to return to international track racing with a deeper commitment, aiming for the LA Olympics. With her renewed dedication and a track record of success, Mejías is poised to continue her impressive career in cycling. She will represent VBR again in the UCI 1.1 Maryland Cycling Classic women's race and is expected to compete in the VSC Summer Slam, UCI track races at VELO Sports Center in Los Angeles, aiming to earn points and prepare for the 2028 Olympic Games.
[1] Marlies Mejías - Cycling News [2] Marlies Mejías - VeloNews [3] Marlies Mejías - Women's Cycling [4] Marlies Mejías - Olympic.org [5] Marlies Mejías - CyclingTips
Sports have played a significant role in Marlies Mejías' life, both in her native Cuba and in her international career. As she prepares for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games, her renewed dedication leaves fans excited to watch her compete in sports once again.
