We are sorry to learn the tragic news that professional Mexican cyclist Orlando Garibay passed away after being rear ended by a garbage truck while driving his car in Sahuayo, Michoacán at 2:00 am on November 3rd. Orlando, 30, was returning from a race that he had just won in San Francisco del Rincón, Guanajuato.
Our hearts go out to Orlando’s family and friends. The brief moments of knowing Orlando was always positive and one of a calm and friendly demeanor. Anytime I was around Orlando, he was always friendly and smiling.
Orlando was a great cycling competitor who raced with smarts and strength. He was just an incredible all-around rider who could do everything really good on the bike. I watched Orlando come up from a Junior cyclist and elevate to the pro ranks. So it was very special to see him win the Mexican National Road Race Championships. Orlando did many races in the US with much success. Orlando was not only a great rider but also a complete profesional when it came to racing for his teams and teammates over the years.
Not only was he a great rider, but was always willing to help others.
In 2018, Orlando raced for the SoCalCycling.com Team at the Redlands Bicycle Classic Stage Race as a composite rider and his brother Kristian Garibay raced for the SoCalCycling.com team in previous years.
I really don’t like writing about these types of articles when it comes to the loss of riders. I hope the riders that Orlando always helped along the way and influenced, always remember what it’s like to be a complete professional like Orlando Garibay was on and off the bike.
This is a tragic loss for Orlando’s family and the cycling community and for those who got to know Orlando.
Clasica Amando Zacapu 2018 Pro Cycling Team Calzado Stars Orlando Garibay ganador Edición 50 , 15 de septiembre 2018 Zacapu Michoacan.
By Frank Sarate, SoCalCycling.com
Fundraiser for Orlando’s Funeral
Yesterday we woke up to the sad news of the loss of our Dear Orlando Garibay “OKLAN” as he was known in the platoon suffered an accident in which our Great Champion unfortunately lost his life! Mexican cycling is in mourning with this event in which we have no words to describe the loss of our champion. We appreciate the support we can provide at this time for his wife and family.
