After 5 intense days of racing it came down to the final 70km of racing to decide the victors. The threat of rain was looming large, with dark clouds on the horizon racers were warned to take extra precautions and carry a spare layer of clothing. Hynek and Lakata entered the day with a forty second buffer but this proved futile as Ferreira and Ilias dominated the stage to snatch back the overall lead they held earlier in the week, in behind them followed Hynek / Lakata and Rodriquez / Valero. In the women Katrin Leumann and Sally Bigham completed a clean sweep to take six from six stage wins and comfortably wrap up the overall.

Andalucia Bike Race Action Shot 1.
The final 70km of the 2016 Andalucia Bike Race.
Andalucia Bike Race Action Shot 2.
Fast rocky sections required quick thinking and reactions from riders.
Andalucia Bike Race Action Shot 3.
Hynek and Lakata had been so strong all week but they couldn’t live with Ilias and Ferreira’s insane pace today.
Andalucia Bike Race Action Shot 4
Ilias and Ferreira were on another level today and overcame a 40 second deficit to take the overall by over 2 and a half minutes!
Andalucia Bike Race Action Shot 5.
Leumann and Bigham take six out of six. Their authority was never in question.
Andalucia Bike Race Action Shot 7
Not the result world champ Alban Lakata had his eyes set on this morning, he’ll look now to the Cape Epic for redemption.
Andalucia Bike Race Action Shot 8.
Your top 3: Ilias / Ferreira, Hynek / Lakata and Rodriquez / Valero.
Andalucia Bike Race Action Shot 9
Riders will leave Andalucia with not only the satisfaction of completing such an incredible race, but a personal memento too.

Andalucia Bike Race Stage Six Results:

Men:

andalucia-bike-race-day-6-men-result

Women:

andalucia-bike-race-day-6-women-result

Final Overall Results of the 2016 Andalucia Bike Race:

Men:

andalucia-bike-race-day-6-men-overall

Women:

andalucia-bike-race-day-6-women-overall

For full results visit the Andalucia Bike Race Website.

Words & Photos: Ross Bell


Did you enjoy this article? If so, we would be stoked if you decide to support us with a monthly contribution. By becoming a supporter of ENDURO, you will help secure a sustainable future for high-quality mountain bike journalism. Click here to learn more.