Guerra lets loose and Clàudia Galicia reigns once again

The last stage of La Rioja Bike Race presented by Shimano brought some surprises, as well as an upset to the men’s overall classification. Carlos Coloma, the leader going into today’s stage, made a mistake in the final part of the stage, which cost him significant time with respect the final podium claimed by Francesc Guerra, Ever Alejandro Gómez and Roberto Bou.

In the women’s category Clàudia Galicia once again took victory in the general ahead of Sandra Santanyes and Janette Solsona. Galicia has won all stages in the history of the event so far.

Francesc Guerra (Buff-Scott) managed to finish today’s stage in third position and thus earn first place with a total time of 8h50’36″ in the elite men’s general classification of the fourth edition of La Rioja Bike Race presented by Shimano. The Catalan mountain biker, who has won the race for the first time, reached the finish line today behind Ever Alejandro Gómez (TBelles-Cannondale) and Victor Manuel Fernández (Wolfbike-Citroën Cosersa), all with a time of 2h28’28″.

“I felt my best today. Throughout the stage I thought that first place was unattainable but I felt good and, in the final stretch, I increased the speed until the finish line. In this edition I have gone from okay to great and I’m satisfied with my finish,” the champion declared. The final podium was completed by today’s stage winner, Ever Alejandro Gómez, who finished 23″ behind Guerra, and Roberto Bou (TBelles-Cannondale) at +1’21″ off of the winner’s time. “I was a little surprised by the changes in the general but I’m good with us staying up front each day because we had strength and power on our side. I am very happy with the stage victory and second place in the general,” explained the Bolivian mountain biker, assuring us that he’ll be back to La Rioja next year to seek triumph in the general.

Carlos Coloma (Primaflor-Mondraker-Rotor), who was defending the lead in the General Classification with a more than 2-minute lead ahead of second in the GC, made a mistake in the final part of the stage prior to arriving at La Regadera, by not correctly following the course markings. “Overall I’m going home very happy, despite losing UCI points due to the small mistake I made in today’s stage. La Rioja Bike Race presented by Shimano is a very important race for La Rioja; the organization and signage are perfect; we are an exemplary race that intends to grow a lot in the coming years. The Olympic bronze medalist at the 2016 Rio Games finished the stage in 32nd place and twelfth in the general, more than eleven minutes behind Francesc Guerra.

Queen of La Rioja Bike Race presented by Shimano

If final victory in the elite men’s category was determined by only a few seconds after many changes in the GC, in the women’s elite category, it was business as usual. Clàudia Galicia (Polar-Trek) added to her legendary status in her favorite race, and became one for the history books by winning all stages and final classifications.

The Catalan mountain biker gave up nothing to her rivals to win her twelfth consecutive stage and her fourth La Rioja Bike Race presented by Shimano. In the end, Galicia had stacked up a more than 37-minute lead ahead of her most-immediate pursuer, Sandra Santanyes (Olympia Factory Cycling).

“Today’s stage was very fast and with lots of single-track. I saved a little to maintain my advantage, but on the climbs I gave it everything I had, and on the descents, I tried to be a bit more cautious. Four editions and winning every stage in each one — I couldn’t ask for anything more. I leave feeling good and having enjoyed every day; I hope to be here next year,” concluded Galicia.

Santanyes managed to finish second in all the stages, which was enough to earn her second in the general, same as in last year’s race edition. The podium was completed by Janette Solsona (Blue Motors Pons) who — despite climbing the third step of the podium only in the first stage — managed to regulate her efforts and control the other racers to take third place with a gap of more than four minutes ahead of fourth place in the GC.

Detailed information

The new feature in the last stage joined together on the same day, two star sections that had always been ridden separately, the descents of Medias Neveras and Regadera.

The first kilometers from the start coincided with a sustained trail ascent, which crossed vineyards until reaching the elevation midpoint of Moncalvillo (Km 20). The long and technical Medias Neveras descent began immediately; it was here where Vlad Descalu accelerated in order to solo the second climb to Moncalvillo. Prior to confronting the demanding Hermedaña descent, the lead group caught the Romanian mountain biker and formed a group of six racers who continued together until the Regadera and then on to the finish