MADRID, 22 Sep. (EUROPA PRESS) –
Spanish cyclist David Valero won the bronze medal at the XC Marathon World Championships, held at the Snowshoe Ski Resort (West Virginia, United States).
Only 12 seconds separated the first three, and Valero managed to get on the podium to add another medal to his list of achievements at a major international event. As the Granada native had already warned in the preview, the demanding final climb was the judge of the World Championship.
Dane Simon Andreassen was crowned champion by 10 seconds over American Christopher Blevins and 12 seconds ahead of Valero. Shortly after, German Andreas Seewald and Frenchman Victor Koretzky came in fourth and fifth.
“I’m really happy, but this third position leaves a bitter taste in my mouth because I saw victory so close. This time I wasn’t far away, so we’ll fight for it next year,” said Valero in statements provided by the Royal Spanish Cycling Federation (RFEC).
The Spaniard has demonstrated his ability to adapt to this long-distance discipline after having carved out a tremendous career in Olympic cross country, where he has nine Spanish championship titles, an Olympic bronze, a bronze at the European Championship, a silver at the World Championship and a victory in the World Cup.