According to the international cycling calendar, these are the days when national champion titles are awarded in much of the world, but there are situations where even sport is forced to stop. This is what has happened in Venezuela, where in recent hours the earth has shaken, causing destruction and death.

Following the earthquake tremors, the Venezuelan Cycling Federation has cancelled the national cycling and paracycling championships scheduled for these days in the Trujillo region. In a statement released by the country's state and sports authorities, it is emphasized that the cycling championships are cancelled until further notice, and furthermore it states: "Our absolute and essential priority at this moment is to protect the physical safety of over 250 cyclists, delegations, judges and citizens called for this sporting event, as well as to unite efforts and concentrate all State resources in assistance, prevention and public safety activities made necessary by this emergency".

Furthermore: "We express our deepest solidarity with all the Venezuelan people during these difficult times. Details on the rescheduling of the national calendar for the discipline will be provided soon, once the competent authorities have confirmed the cessation of emergency protocols".

Orluis Aular, a 29-year-old Movistar athlete and holder of the Venezuelan national road and time trial champion title, has published a message of solidarity with his fellow countrymen on his social media profiles in recent hours.