The starting pistol has gone off, the BIG RIDE has begun, and Ojen in Malaga has become a landmark for National Enduro .This beautiful location in the heart of the Costa del Sol was the impressive location for the start of the second Spain Enduro Series Big Ride powered by Cannondale last weekend (29th and 30th of March).
All the leading riders in the field were competing in this first race of the BIG RIDE Circuit supported by Cannondale, probably the first time all the top riders had been up against each other to test their strength and skills. There was the reigning Champion of Spain Tony Perez (Xtreme Bike/GT) from Galicia, and also such top names as Jacobo Santana y Roger González (Team Mondraker), Carles Barcons (Team Intense/KPS Sports), Daniel Cubeto (Cubero Team), Joseba León y Arriola (Team Bikezona), Rubén Rodríguez, Fernando Marcos y Rafa Castillo (Bikessuport), Lampi (Team Orbea), Dudu Cuesta and more.
Not only were the very best riders from Spain with us, there were also many of the best from the International scene. A unique feature of this event was the presence of all the Overmountain team of Cannondale (Ben Cruz, Marco Osborne, Pauline Dieffentalher) under the leadership of team captain Jerome Clementz from France.
We also welcomed the British riders Aidan Bishop ( Canondale UK ) and Mark Scott (Team Nukeproof). Last but not least from our neighbour Portugal there was Claudio Loureiro (Motoclube Felgueiras), Marco Fidalgo (Team Berg) and others enduro riders.
It was a grueling test for the riders over 5 sections against the clock, 32 kilometres with a difference in altitude of 1,700 meters. Cheered on by crowds all along the way, the riders faced a formidable physical challenge.
During Saturday there was a celebration of Jerome Clementz of France, the present Champion of EWS which included a showing of the film about his achievements “12months/12stories”
On Sunday, we started at 8,30 and from the outset the French rider dominated the field leading his teammates to the three top places of the Scratch category. Behind them in the top ten were Mark Scott and the Portuguese rider Claudio Loureiro along with several Spanish riders Roger Gonzalez, (5º) Jacobo Santana (6º), Juan Antonio Pascual (7º), and Ruben Rodriguez (10º).
Pauline Dieffetalher came in first among the women riders, followed by Eva Garrido y Mouriel Bouhet. The number of female participants broke all Enduro competition records with a total of 22 taking part in the race!
Now we move on to Tui in Galicia for the next stage of the BIG RIDE supported by Cannondale. It promises to be another exciting event where the best national riders can meet the top guys from the International scene. This time It is made all the more challenging as this will be the last chance for riders to take advantage of preparation for the first trial of EWS in Scotland on the following weekend. So we can be sure they’ ll be really giving it their all. Tui here we come!
Full Results
More information on www.bigridechampionship.com
Words & Pictures: PM BigRide Championship
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