Clever Martínez: The Summit of World Cycling Carries a Venezuelan Accent

Some athletes do not reach the top by chance, but because they learned how to endure when no one was watching. Clever Martínez is one of them. Quiet, steady, tireless, he represents a generation that learned to move forward even when the road seemed closed. Today, Latin American cycling celebrates a historic milestone: the Venezuelan has become number one in the UCI Elite Men’s Endurance ranking, with 4,028 points, leading a classification never before achieved by his country or the region.

Clever did not simply reach the summit—he built it, pedal stroke by pedal stroke, through silent battles, deep sacrifices, and unwavering faith in a process that today inspires the world.

“Reaching the very best in sport is a goal every athlete has,” Clever admits. “It validates the effort, consistency, and sacrifices. Knowing that I’m here renews my motivation.”

For him, this first place is more than a ranking—it is living proof that the Latin American dream can also conquer the world’s biggest stages.

An Achievement That Transcends Borders

He is still trying to grasp its magnitude:

“I still haven’t fully understood what this truly means—not just for me, but for the next generation that looks to us as an example.”

Venezuelan cycling—and by extension, cycling in the Caribbean and Latin America—is writing a new chapter. Clever sees it as a testament to resilience:

“It’s proof that it can be done, that there is talent, and that with just a little support, incredible things can be achieved.”

Behind the number one ranking are sleepless nights, endless kilometers, and farewells that still hurt. One of his hardest moments was leaving Venezuela.

“Leaving my family, my friends, even my university studies… Leaving the country in search of opportunities and realizing that life abroad isn’t as easy as many people think.”

And yet, he kept going.

“I worked up to two jobs to finance my races. That has been the greatest sacrifice,” he adds.

There were also days of doubt, moments when the goal felt too distant. That is when he found the key that changed everything.

“A few years ago, I stopped chasing medals. I focused on improving myself day by day. Believing in the process… and the results came on their own.”

Leading With Values

Being number one carries a human responsibility that Clever embraces with clarity.

“You don’t get here by coincidence. I try to be the best athlete and a better human being. It’s sad to meet your idols and realize they aren’t good people… I don’t want to be one of those.”

His philosophy is simple and powerful:

“Don’t chase results. Chase becoming a good person. Be someone who adds more than they take away.”

Raising the Venezuelan flag atop the world rankings—backed by achievements that include two Pan American medals, Bolivarian titles, and numerous international podium finishes—is an honor reserved for very few athletes worldwide.

“I feel fortunate to represent a country with so much heart,” he says. His achievement is also a message to the entire region. “Colombia has shown that it’s possible. Now it’s our turn to strengthen the Latin presence in the international peloton.”

To young cyclists, he leaves a phrase that sums up his entire journey:

“Never give up. Discipline and consistency will always defeat talent.”

What’s Next

What lies ahead for Clever Martínez is not a pause at the top, but the beginning of an even more ambitious climb. His immediate calendar includes the Pan American Track Championships in Santiago, Chile (February 16), followed by the World Cups in March and April, competitions that are part of his road toward the dream that now guides him more strongly than ever: the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games.

Although Martínez never set out to become number one in the world rankings, this achievement arrived as the natural consequence of something greater: believing in the process, improving every day, and maintaining absolute faith in his own path.

“My true goal is clear: to fight for Olympic gold in Los Angeles 2028,” he affirms.

If Clever could go back and meet the young man who was just starting out, he would not offer instructions or warnings.

“I wouldn’t tell him anything. I’d let him make the same mistakes, because every one of them was necessary. They shaped the Clever you see today.”

With his eyes fixed on what lies ahead, Clever also acknowledges that this journey is built as a team effort.

“I’m open to adding sponsors who believe in this project and in what it represents. Behind every result there is great sacrifice, but also an opportunity to grow alongside brands that believe in sport, in Latin American talent, and in a dream that aims high. The right support doesn’t just propel a career—it inspires an entire generation,” he concluded.

Centro Caribe Sports Press — December 15, 2025
Yanny Figueroa G.