Stage 3 is considered one of the most difficult of the 4 Stage MTB Lanzarote. The individual time trial and climbing terrain demanded a maximum intensity effort off the bikers on a very hard physical course. Starting at the beach of Caleta de Famara, the bikers climbed until reaching the Ermita de Las Nieves, almost 600 meters high. Weathers conditions were almost perfect with a sunny day, but strong winds again hindered the bikers during the race.
This was a race against the clock and each of the bikers had to fight for the best record. Mantecón (SPA) outperformed Søren Nissen (LUX) and claimed the victory. David Rosa (POR) who suffered a flat tire yesterday was able to sneak back onto the podium in the third position. The winner of the two first stages, Karl Markt (AUT) arrived on the fifth position and lost more than 2 minutes the new number 1, Sergio Mantecón.
Mantecón commented on his victory:
"
For me today was a very important stage. It was the first cut to see who will compete in the general classification. Luckily, I got a 1-minute difference between the second place, and tomorrow will be the second real test. It was a very demanding stage today, which I think has left us all quite empty of strength, let’s see if we recover well, and tomorrow we will continue with the same determination.”
Mantecón also mentioned who he believes is his closest rival:
“
I think the Luxembourger (Søren Nissen) is going to go very fast tomorrow and he is the one who has been closest to me. He is a long-distance runner and I am rather more explosive on short distances. I think tomorrow’s stage will put everyone in its place.”
It was another stunning performance for yesterday’s women winner, Isla Short (GBR), who again took the victory. It was a heart-stopping duel between her and Mayalen Noriega (ESP) as they approached the finishing line until Short took the lead. The Scottish mentioned that she liked climbing courses and this stage proved it.
“
I knew I could go well because there was a lot of climbing so I tried to close the gap early in the race and stick with it. I’m pretty confident about tomorrow,” said Short. The Scottish also mentioned the total points competition and the chances of winning. “
I feel I still have something left on my legs but the gap with Caroline (Bohé) (DEN) is going to be small, so I have to be on it.”
Amateur racer Naima Diesner (GER) surprised again climbing the podium. After getting the 3rd place for the third time, Diesner spoke about her chances of winning the whole competition: “
I will go into tomorrow´s stage with everything I have. The interesting thing about MTB is there so many aspects to take into consideration when it comes to winning on a stage race.I´ll keep fighting, but I´ll make sure I arrive at the finishing line safely. Still, I´m happy to have a long stage tomorrow.”
MALE COMPETITION LEADERS
1 - Sergio MANTECÓN GUTIERREZ (SPA) 00:49:29
2 - Sören NISSEN (LUX) 00:50:29
3 - David ROSA (POR) 00:50:42
WOMEN COMPETITION LEADERS
1 - Isla SHORT (GBR) 01:04:44
2 - Caroline BOHÉ (DEN) 01:06:08
3 - Naima DIESNER (GER) 01:07:34
Male overall leaders:
- Sergio MANTECÓN GUTIERREZ (ESP) 04:30:59.75
- Sören NISSEN (LUX) 04:32:00.79
- Karl MARKT (AUT) 04:32:48.99
Female overall leaders:
- Isla SHORT (GBR) 05:30:42.84
- Caroline BOHÉ (DEN) 05:33:17.93
- Naima DIESNER (GER) 05:39:12.15
