The Russian Aleksandr Grigorev (General-Tavira-Maria Nova Hotel Tuna) won this Saturday, June 3rd, the first edition of the Viana do Castelo Classic, imposing himself alone in the 170,4-kilometer race marked by several stretches of land , paved and four climbs to Santa Luzia.
«The race, which started in Vila Franca do Lima, started quickly, even because there were attempts without the platoon authorizing any of them to succeed. The decisive move took place in the first of four climbs to the Viennese sanctuary, with about half of the race disputed», says the Portuguese Cycling Federation.
This attack put a group of just over 10 elements in the lead. In this group were representatives of most continental teams, discouraging the pursuit from the platoon. It soon became clear that it would be among the fugitives that everything would be decided.
The national long-distance champion José Neves (W52-FC Porto) dared to attack on his second passage through Santa Luzia. Aleksandr Grigorev was one of the few who responded promptly. “Revealing to be in an excellent moment, the Russian off-road would eventually counterattack, isolating itself to pedal more than 30 kilometers on its own,” says the Federation.
Aleksandr Grigorev didn't give any chance of getting close to the pursuers and cut the line after 4h29m01s of the race.
The under-23 national champion Pedro Andrade (Hagens Berman Axeon) was the most disgruntled of the rivals. He attacked in the last ascent to Santa Luzia, but it was not time to discuss the victory: he also took on the wheel César Martingil, who came out in defense of the forward position of teammate Grigorev.
Andrade paid for the effort and Martingil would take second place, 8 seconds behind the winner. Hagens runner Berman Axeon closed the podium, 33 seconds from the first.
The Tuna General-Tavira-Maria Nova Hotel also won by teams and Aleksandr Grigorev added the classifications of cobblestone and clay to absolute triumph. João Matias (Louletano-Loulé Concelho) won the ranking of flying goals and Marcelo Gabriel (Porminho-Team U-23) was the best member of the club teams.
The national squad of continental and club teams remains on the road this Sunday. It will compete in the Grand Prix Anicolor, a 164,4 kilometer race, starting in Fermentelos at 13:00 and arriving in Águeda at around 17:00.
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