“La Mojaquera”, the first cycling race of the season, was held in Mojácar on Sunday 15th April, as part of Almería’s Provincial Circuit and the Ranquin Andaluz BTT Marathon 2018.
175 participants from all over Spain and Europe set off from the town’s football ground, with a 75 km ride ahead of them, including 2300 metres of ascent
The route, which passed through Turre and Carboneras as well as Mojácar, was mainly on dirt roads, tracks, river beds and trails. Organized by the local Council’s Sports Department and Club Mojácar Bike CCD, it is one of the toughest on the circuit and one that the contestants particularly enjoy because of the fabulous scenery as well as good organisation.
Víctor Manuel Fernández from the Wolfbike Team, last year’s champion, took his place at the starting line and fulfilled all predictions by coming first with a time of 3:13:12 in a close and exciting final leg with Francisco García Rus from the Gsport-Wolbike team, who finished second only a couple of seconds behind.
Almerían Mauricio Gonzalez Jaramillo, from the Oxigenbike Team, took third place with 3:14:43 whilst Estonian Janika Loiv was the women’s champion with a time of 3:50:12, followed by Spanish Almudena Jiménez Martinez.
There were ladies and mens awards in all categories as well as a junior prize, won by Juan Alberto Espinar Sánchez. The trophies were presented by local Sports Councillor, Ana García, who was present right through the race, along with race director, Gerardo Martínez Cabello.
