The clear blue skies and warm sunshine of Lanzarote were met with wind gusts of over 50km/h in today’s second day, reminding us that Mother Nature rules in Lanzarote. The slightly different route to last year’s edition made for a fast paced race across the rock and lava terrain near to the national volcanic parks of the island.
Karl Platt’s (Team Bulls) win in today’s second stage, just three seconds ahead of Juan Pedro Trujillo (Berria), has certainly shaken up the ranking and the next two days promise to bring some excitement! Despite two flat tyres during today’s 55k race, Platt still managed to regain his lead after stopping twice.
“I had to work really hard to catch up, especially as the wind today wasn’t too motivating, but I’m really happy to have won a Stage here and I’m looking forward to the next two days.” The winner told us.
Trujillo, very close behind in second place, told us “I came so close to the victory but to take second behind one of the world’s best mountain bikers is really an honour, a triumph in itself. Great organisation once again, it gives me great confidence to come here and race in such an event.”
Norwegian rider Lars Gronberg (iHus team) took third place in today’s race ahead of team-mate and defending 4 Stage champion, Søren Nissen, who suffered a puncture and finished 13th and over 6 minutes behind the leader.
Sally Bigham (Topeak Ergon) once again charged home almost 10 minutes in front of Sandra Santanyes and Mayalen Noriega (both MMRBikes Powerade) in a great example of team work.
“We’ve had a good time, I really enjoyed it today and I’m pleased to have made the podium after missing it by so little yesterday,” said Noriega.
Sally Bigham’s main opponent was the wind; “it was a very fast race but I was constantly being blown off my line by the strong side winds, so it was challenging.”
Still short of a podium are team Extremadura-Ecopilas as Susana Alonso has to content herself with 4th place, and in the men’s division, Pedro Romero and Alejandro Diaz de la Peña finished in 6th and 7th respectively.
Today’s top canarians were Pedro Rodriguez Mesa, 5th in the men’s race and Katy Sierra who today finished in 5th position.
RESULTS:
MEN:
- Karl Platt – 01:58:07
- Juan Pedro Trujillo – 01:58:10
- Lars Granberg – 01:59:13
WOMEN:
- Sally Bigham – 02:14:29
- Sandra Santanyes – 02:24:23
- Mayalen Noriega – 02:24:32
|
|
