MADRID, 17 Jun. (EUROPA PRESS) –
The XXXII Ibercaja Quebrantahuesos by TotalEnergies Cycling Tour returned to complete normality this Saturday for the first time since 2019, with more than 10,000 participants and with the honoree Alejandro Valverde (Movistar Team Gravel Squad) being the fastest, after setting a new record in 5 :14:32.
The good weather encouraged the goal of Sabiñánigo (Huesca) for a test with cyclists of more than 30 nationalities, organized by the company Octagon Esedos. “Based on the satisfied face of all those who have crossed the finish line, I think we can speak of success. We needed this day after so many years of incidents,” declared Xavier Bartrolí, president of Octagon Esedos.
In addition, Alejandro Valverde was the great news for the public upon his arrival in Sabiñánigo, highlighting the good atmosphere of the day. “We have gone in good weather and with friends. We have enjoyed a lot. The test is amazing, with a lot of people throughout the route, incredible”, commented the Murcian runner as he crossed the finish line.
For her part, the Dutch Nicolien Luijsterburg was the fastest to cross the finish line in the women’s category, with a time of 6:15:33. “It has been a very beautiful tour. It has been very hard, but sometimes I had to look around to appreciate how beautiful it was. I will return for sure,” said Luijsterburg, world champion in the Gran Fondo Series.
The organization of the event highlighted, in a press release, the economic impact “close to 18 million euros throughout the region” thanks to the Bearded Vulture. “We have lived a beautiful day to remember and I am sure that all the participants will want to return. Being three years with problems undermines your morale; but, if this year everything goes well as it has been up to now, it helps us recharge our batteries for the year coming,” said Fernando Escartín, from the Edelweiss Cycling Club.
Meanwhile, in the Treparriscos Medio Fondo test, Julen Uranga became the fastest runner with a time of 2:24:14. In this sense, the first woman to reach the finish line was Pilar Arnal, crossing the line a few meters ahead of Maite Urteaga and with a best time of 2:45:34.