Janderson Pereira, mountain bike downhill athlete from Ilhabela, will compete in Campeonato Brasileiro de Downhill 2026, scheduled 24-26 July in Paraíba do Sul, Rio de Janeiro. He participates with support of municipal Secretaria de Esporte e Lazer. The competition is the most important event on the national downhill calendar, featuring a single-stage format that crowns champions in each category. More than 200 competitors from various states are expected, and a new infant category for 10-11 year olds will be contested for the first time. The race will take place on the traditional Parque Salutaris track, known for steep descents and technical difficulty. Pereira arrives after a recent season of intensive preparation. In late June he secured third place in the overall classification and second place in the Master category at the Desafio de Itatiaia, also held in Rio de Janeiro. He cites those results as confidence boosters for the upcoming national title fight. The municipal support, announced by Secretary Gabriel Rocha, aligns with a broader policy of backing athletes in national competitions. However, the source does not disclose the amount of resources allocated nor any performance guarantees. The competition is projected to attract over 4,000 spectators, potentially increasing visibility for the participating athletes and for Ilhabela’s sporting profile. Media outlets from across the country are expected to cover the race, highlighting the technical challenges of the Parque Salutaris circuit. The article leaves unanswered whether the municipality will continue funding after the event or how the new infant category will affect long‑term development of the sport in the region. Those gaps remain open for further investigation.

Redação Jornal Voz do Litoral
Imagens: Divulgação