With deep sadness, we remember Marlon Perez Arango, a great cyclist and an extraordinary person who left us too soon at the age of 48, victim of a robbery that ended in tragedy. Marlon was not only a talented athlete but also someone who was always ready to help his teammates, demonstrating humility and willingness in every situation.
Despite not being a giant in stature, Marlon Perez Arango was an exceptional time trialist, capable of displaying incredible power. His talent emerged at a young age when, in 1994, he won the world championship title in the points race on the track as a junior. Continuing his career with great determination, he secured two national road titles and one time trial title as an Under 23 rider, in addition to triumphing in the Vuelta a Colombia Juventud.
His professional career was equally bright: Marlon won three golds and two bronzes at the Pan American Track Championships, along with two golds in the time trial at the same championships. He also earned two golds and one bronze in the Track World Cup and claimed four stage victories in the Vuelta a Colombia. Additionally, he was a two-time Colombian time trial champion and, in 2004, he wore the blue jersey of the Intergiro at the Giro d’Italia for several days.
Marlon raced with Daccordi bicycles in the early 2000s, and his fighting spirit and generous heart will forever remain etched in our memory. He was an example not only for his skill on the bike but also for the human values he embodied.
The cycling world and all of us will deeply feel his absence. Marlon will always stay in our hearts.
