Why cycling is much more than a sport in Colombia

Colombian artist Vita Osorio Sanmartín inherited a bike from her father. Like many in the country, he was a passionate cyclist.

Every year, Colombians flood the streets to cheer at the Vuelta a Colombia - one of the toughest races in cycling.

But this is more than a sporting event. In the early 1950s, two years into a bloody sectarian conflict, the tour was initiated as a sign of peace and goodwill.

Today, a new generation of Colombians again face conflicting ideas. Some like Vita hope that cycling can once more bring a sense of unity and nationhood to Colombia.

Hear more on Colombia's love of cycling on The Documentary from BBC World Service.

Video produced by Ellen Tsang. Footage filmed by Mark Rickards.