Algarve cyclist Daniela Campos (Eneicat – CMTeam – Seguros Deportivo) once again stood out among the female elite and was crowned this Saturday, June 22nd, national distance champion, a title in addition to the time trial title, won yesterday.
The 22-year-old Portuguese cyclist from Eneicat – CMTeam – Seguros Deportivo was in the front group throughout the race and finished the five laps of the circuit around the Castle of Santa Maria da Feira (99 kilometers) in 2h53m35s. Ana Caramelo (Matos Mobility/Flexaco Cycling Team), five seconds behind, and Mariana Virgínia (Academia Efapel de Ciclismo), ten seconds behind, completed the podium.
«I chose to run a more conservative race because I knew it was going to be a very open race, with very strong opponents. I tried an attack in the final part of the race, without success, so the discussion was made on the last climb, in which I ended up achieving a rather painful victory», explained Daniela Campos, born in Boliqueime, at the end of the race.
After winning the two titles in the women's elite, in a perfect National Championship, Daniela Campos highlighted «a feeling of satisfaction and duty accomplished».
«I have very strong opponents and it was a very tough two days. It was really good to have managed to win here and add this title to yesterday's,” she added.
The story of the race began to be defined right on the first climb to the castle, after an attack by Marisa Costa (Cantanhede Cycling/VESAM) broke the race. The cyclist was accompanied by Ana Caramelo (Matos Mobility), Beatriz Guerra (Guilhabreu MTB Team), Daniela Campos, Mariana Virgínia, Raquel Dias (Tavira/Extremosul/SCFarense) and Vera Vilaça (DAS – Hutchinson – Brother – UK), forming a leading group of seven cyclists after the first pass through the finish line, with around 1m20s advantage over the peloton.
In the third lap, decisive for cadets and masters, the leading group was made up of 18 cyclists. In this group, masters Angela Gonçalves (Korpo Activo/Penacova) and Nádia Mendes (BTTGARDUNHA/FUNDÃO/CREATE) were worthy of mention, who became national champions of masters 40 and 30, respectively. These were followed by Filomena Gomes (GRJA/GFK), who won the title in master 50, and Daniela Silva (CDASJ/Cyclin´Team/Munípio Albufeira), winner among the cadets.
On the fourth lap, the group reduced again, and the race was led by five cyclists, who would not be caught again. In this group, junior Raquel Dias (Tavira/Extremosul/SCFarense) stood out, who won the title alone on her fourth pass across the finish line.
The elites Ana Caramelo, Daniela Campos, Mariana Virgínia and Vera Vilaça continued for another lap, in which they increased their advantage over the chase, ending up arguing for victory in the final stretch. There, Daniela was the strongest, guaranteeing the victory of the national title.
The National Road Championships take place in Santa Maria da Feira until Sunday. Later this afternoon, starting at 15:30 pm, the men's under-23 long-distance race will be held, with the paracycling and elite men's races reserved for Sunday, starting at 9 am and 11:30 am, respectively.
Women's category podiums
Elite
Daniela Campos (Eneicat – CMTeam – Seguros Deportivo)
Ana Caramelo (Matos Mobility/Flexaco Cycling Team)
Mariana Libano (Efapel Cycling Academy)
Juniors (Under-19)
Raquel Dias (Tavira/Extremosul/SCFarense)
Beatriz Guerra (Guilhabreu MTB Team)
Rita Tanganho (CDASJ/Cyclin´Team/Municipality Albufeira)
Cadets (Under-17)
Daniela Silva (CDASJ/Cyclin´Team/Municipality Albufeira)
Eva Emídio (Tavira/Extremosul/SCFarense)
Bárbara Santos (CDASJ/Cyclin´Team/Municipality Albufeira)
Master 30
Nádia Mendes (BTTGARDUNHA/FUNDÃO/CREATE)
Maralyne Marques (Korpo Activo / Penacova)
Susana Alemão (CDASJ/Cyclin´Team/Municipality Albufeira)
Master 40
Ângela Gonçalves (Korpo Activo / Penacova)
Sónia Rodrigues (Tavira/Extremosul/SCFarense)
Irina Coelho (CDASJ/Cyclin´Team/Municipality Albufeira)
Master 50
Filomena Gomes (GRJA/ GFK)
Rosa Marques (Alto Minho Cycling Academy)
Leontina Palhas (Vertentability Cycling Team)
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