Date: February 26, 2012
Time: 10:00
Distance: 60 kms
Warm
day in Galapagar
(Madrid) to race the Galapagar MTB Rally.
A
lot of known and high level riders were in the starting line, as usually, the
first positions were going to be really hard-fought. A lot of Golpe de Pedal guys were there, they
knew the area pretty well and they have run this race several times.
The 60 kilometers track was hardest during
the first half. After the first 30 kilometers, the track was a bit easier. The
first and hardest up hills would be the most convenient part for me to try to
get the first positions.
Circa
800 bikers started the race with a
safety car in front of us during the first 4 kilometers.
The
safety car moves away and … the show
starts. I started very well places within the head of the race. In the
first stone-path I was involved in a traffic
jam and the first 20 riders moved far away. Now it is turn to move up.
Around
10 minutes later, I linked myself again with
the head of the race. Despite of riding hard to be in the top, I am not extremely
tired and I feel strong enough to climb the next up hills between small stones
and narrow paths in which it is almost impossible overtaking any biker. Without
any chance to overtake, I am in the last places of the head pack, I cannot set
my own pace, my heart rate is extremely low and the first bikers move away
again. I was climbing slowly but suddenly, I find a small hollow and I am able
to overtake 5 bikers. Now, I can set my own pace again.
Finally,
I reach Sergio López (Golpe de Pedal)
and José V. Gisber (Buho Bike). In
front of us, 4 bikers are leading the rally, but our pace is really good.
When
it is only 3 kilometers to finish, I
take an small advantage, but the persecutor group work together to join me
again. Suddenly, Nacho Vara (Golpe de
Pedal) overtakes me very fast. However, I do not want to give him any kind of
advantage and I overtake him again. Now, I
am leading a group of 4 bikers.
All
the bikers are riding behind me, I am doing all the effort, but I feel strong
enough to keep my 5th place
in the general classification. Additionally, I am able to see the 4th
classified.
Close to the finish line I
decide to start an early final sprint
to try to get more advantage, but I do not achieve my aim and when it last a
few meters to cross the finish line … the rest of the group work together in
their final sprint. 2 seconds have
prevented me to be in the Master 30 podium.
It
is never a good feeling to lose a place in the podium in the last seconds, but I
am pleased (at least for this time) that Nacho
Vara (Golpe de Pedal) would be there instead of me.
As
always, I have to thank the support of my parents and rest of sponsors for
trusting on GARVÍA BIKE – CENTRO TIR project.
