Mountaineer Yuri Contreras Dies in Cancún Cycling Race

Cancún, Quintana Roo — Renowned mountaineer and physician Yuri Contreras Cedi, a native of Guanajuato, died over the weekend while participating in the amateur cycling event Tour de Francia in Cancún. The 62-year-old athlete suffered a fatal heart attack during the race, despite his decades-long dedication to high-performance sports.

A Legacy of High-Altitude Achievements

Contreras was celebrated as one of Mexico’s most accomplished alpinists, having summited Mount Everest four times and conquered other formidable peaks, including K2, Gasherbrum, and Makalu. His rigorous training regimen included cycling, athletics, and frequent altitude conditioning in regions such as Sierra de Lobos in Guanajuato.

Alongside his partner, Laura González del Castillo, Contreras documented their athletic pursuits on social media, including their final cycling expedition in Cancún. González had previously shared updates from the amateur race, which replicates the prestige of the professional Tour de France.

Sudden Collapse During Competition

Sources close to the family confirmed to Correo that Contreras collapsed due to a heart attack mid-race. His death shocked the sporting community, given his exceptional physical conditioning and history of overcoming extreme challenges in mountaineering.

Despite the inherent dangers of high-altitude climbing—including falls and harsh conditions—Contreras had consistently persevered, cementing his reputation as a resilient and prolific adventurer.

Tributes and Remembrance

Until his final moments, Contreras remained active on social media, sharing his passion for endurance sports with followers. His sudden passing has drawn an outpouring of tributes from fellow athletes and admirers, who remember him as a trailblazer in Mexican mountaineering.

No further details regarding funeral arrangements or memorials have been disclosed at this time.