Panamanian cyclist Roberto González was one of the protagonists of the first stage of the Giro di Sardegna 2026 (UCI 2.1 category) in Italy by becoming the first leader of the Mountain Prize. González is part of the Solution Tech Nippo Rali team, which also includes fellow countrymen Franklin Archibold and Carlos Samudio. The opening stage, which covered a demanding 189.8-kilometer route between the towns of Castelsardo and Bosa, was marked by a 'leg-breaking' geography and technical ascents. González was one of the great animators of the day by being part of the main breakaway, challenging the peloton for most of the race. Thanks to this brave escape and his great power in the climbs, the Panamanian managed to accumulate a total of 16 points, standing out especially in the ascent to Villanova Monteleone. This result allows him to be in 18th place in the Individual General Classification, just 53 seconds behind the leader and stage winner, Italian Nicoló Garibbo. This effort grants him the right to wear the prestigious leader's jersey of the mountain classification in the second stage. In addition to his mountain leadership, the Panamanian cyclist demonstrated solid physical condition by staying in the advance group after the breakaway was neutralized, crossing the finish line in the chase group.
