Race Preview: Final Round of Big Ride Championship – Cercedilla
Cercedilla is the venue for the deciding race of the season, a place that is not easily conquered and will demand respect from every rider. The one who can master its circuits dug into the imposing mountains will be the winner of this stage of the Enduro.
The clear favourite at this moment is Roger Gonzalez who was second in Castejon de Sos but is out in front on the leader board of The Big Ride and looks likely to be on course for the title. Roger from Catalonia has not been taking anything for granted. After the last race he clearly stated that he was going all out to prepare, but also determined to enjoy the challenge. “Cercedilla will need to be given time to prepare, and I am going there with the intention of doing my very best and to enjoy myself that’s the important thing.”
However, Roger will not be without challengers. The Portuguese rider Claudio Loureiro who won in the third race of the Open in Castejón de Sos is another favourite for the podium in Cercedilla. Last year he came first in this fourth race of the season and after showing fantastic form not only in Castejón de Sos but also in Tui, he comes to this race with a chance of recording some of the best times.
Let’s not forget Juan Antonio Pascual Heredia, Tony Pérez or Rubén Rodríguez who are also capable of springing surprises. Ruben arrives at Cercedilla having recovered from the broken rib that he sustained in training in Castejón de Sos so he will be back in good form and determined to do well in this next challenge.
Eva Garrido is top in the female category and comes to this race in great form having just competed in the World cup in France, her dream is to stay right at the top of Big Ride. “My hopes are to take the Cup and also to really enjoy the race. I am physically on good form we are right into the season and I have been doing some hard training.”
Following close behind is her friend Muriel Bohuet who faces the last race of the season with a dream of getting onto the podium in the area which is actually her own home . “It is my dream but it isn’t exactly going to be plain sailing. I have only a short time to train with the MTB and I am not sure where I am physically and technically, it will be a surprise to see how it goes for me on competition day. This time a main objective is not to fall, keep my second position in the overall competition and to enjoy myself and the atmosphere with my friends on home territory”.
This is the fourth and last of the Big Rides and will be made up of 4 stretches against the clock, all of which are very fast, technical and well made for road handling. There are plenty of areas with roots and rocks to get through, just the type of varied terrain real lovers of Enduro like to get the better of.
So at the end of a great series of challenges we come to a course which is worthy of a real finale. There is a lot at stake.
Who will be there at the end? It’s anybody’s guess but what is absolutely sure is that these competitive riders will give their all and there will be plenty of skill to marvel at and no doubt a few surprises.
So lets head on over to Cercedilla where its all about to happen. This weekend is the highlight of the Spanish Enduro calendar so get over there and let battle begin.
More informations on www.bigridechampionship.com
Words & Pictures: PR Big Ride
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