Belgian Frederic D’Hondt and Dutchwoman Nicolien Luijsterburg were crowned winners in the senior category, in a weekend marked by the island’s ruggedness and rich landscape.
The II edition of the Giro d’Italia Ride Like A Pro Spain came to a successful conclusion after the towns of Adeje and Arona welcomed a peloton that completed two demanding stages, of 116 and 65 kilometres respectively, full of incomparable landscapes, impossible ramps and more than +4.900 metres of accumulated altitude gain between the two days.
With the fundamental support of Turismo de Tenerife and all the sponsors, the event was consolidated as one of the unmissable dates on the calendar, especially after the change of format to a free speed cyclosportive and its aim to emulate the experience of any professional in the Giro d’Italia. Thus, more than 700 participants, from 22 different nationalities, enjoyed the geographical riches, the pleasant climate and the many tourist options offered by the island.
Of course, one of the attractions of the event was undoubtedly the presence of Vincenzo Nibali, the main ambassador and winner of the three Grand Tours. The Italian cyclist, who finished second in Sunday’s stage, led the peloton in both starts along with four other professionals: Juanpe López (Lidl-Trek), Jonathan Lastra (Cofidis), Fernando Barceló (Caja Rural-Seguros RGA) and Raúl García Pierna (Equipo Kern Pharma).
To complete the experience, the participants enjoyed a pasta party in the purest Italian style, where any of the attendees could take their own souvenir by having their photo taken next to the Trofeo Senza Fine of the Giro d’Italia. In addition, the MYND Adeje hotel hosted both the bib pick-up on Friday and the Pink Party on Saturday, where the cyclists had the opportunity to get to know the professional cyclists in a pleasant evening with food and drink.
A really contested event
After the high level exhibited by the participants on Saturday, with 116 km and +3.100 metres of accumulated altitude gain, Sunday’s stage awaited the runners with several recognitions at stake in each category. Ahead, 65 km and +1.800 metres, starting from Los Cristianos, in Arona, to travel the roads of the south of Tenerife in search of the landscapes of Buzanada, Aldea Blanca and Las Zocas. Shortly afterwards, the peloton crossed Granadilla de Abona to tackle the long climb of 14 km at an average gradient of 5% towards Vilaflor. Having overcome the great difficulty of the day, the road was downhill and placid to return to Arona.
In this context, the overall victory in the men’s category went to Belgian Frederic D’Hondt, with a total time of 6:17:37. He was joined on the podium by the Italians Felice Giangregorio, winner of the mountain classification, and Matteo Bertani.
In the women’s category, Dutch rider Nicolien Luijsterburg had a beautiful duel with Israel’s Rebecca Zauer, from which she emerged victorious, completing both stages with a time of 7:30:49 and being crowned the best climber. Michela Santini added the Italian touch to the podium with third place.
Finally, among the Master 50, Nicola Ciarcia won the men’s race, while Yifat Safriel did the same for the women.
The awards ceremony was presided over by Dimple Melwani, from Turismo de Tenerife; Franco Morelli, director of Unidad Editorial Sports&Events; Fátima Lemes, mayoress of Arona; Luis Sierra, sports councillor of Arona; Ramón Sierra, president of the Canary Islands Cycling Federation; and Guillermo Fernández, technical director of the event.
