BARCELONA, 26 Jun. (EUROPA PRESS) –
The Andalusian cyclist Carlos Rodríguez (INEOS Grenadiers) has been proclaimed champion of Spain in inline cycling after imposing his superiority this Sunday in the test held between Cala Millor and Palma de Mallorca, over 186 kilometers where Juan Ayuso (UAE Emirates) also presented candidacy for gold despite giving up in the last stretch.
The one from Almuñecar, at 21 years old, claimed victory after completing an attack with 15 kilometers to go to reach the finish line, in the last of the four climbs to Coll de Sa Creu. Thus, Rodríguez unhorsed Ayuso, the other favorite of the day, to drop after the six kilometers of ascent and crown alone.
“It’s something incredible, I’ve been fighting from lower categories and it hadn’t been possible until now. Getting it in the elite category is very special, wearing the jersey with the flag of my country for a whole year will be very nice,” said the man from Granada after becoming champion of Spain.
As happened in the fifth stage of Itzulia, Carlos Rodríguez’s attack was decisive to win alone. This time, Álex Aranburu (Movistar) and Jesús Herrada (Cofidis) unsuccessfully hunted down the INEOS runner, who reached the finish line with a lead of 51 seconds, enough time to enjoy the victory and take over from his teammate Omar Fraile, who won the title last year.
The particular fight for silver was won by Herrada, while Aranburu closed the podium. From behind, Ayuso had to settle for fourth position gained in the sprint, thus leading the chasing pack that formed behind two minutes behind the winner.
In the U-23 category, the Basque Joseba López was proclaimed champion of Spain on Saturday afternoon after beating the Andalusian José Marín in the sprint, with whom he was in the lead after the second ascent to Coll de Sa Creu. Abel Baldestone closed the podium by beating Enekoitz Azparren heads up.