Epic Cami de Cavalls 360
Wild Second Stage At The Camelbak Epic Camí De Cavalls 360º
Press Release / 03.03.2018
After yesterday´s emotional opening in the South of the Island, the participants set off to the North Coast for the second stage on a stage in the most wild and natural part of the island and along a coastline watched over by the solitary light houses of Punta Nati and Cavalleria.
Menorca (03/03/2018).- The second stage of the IV CamelBak Epic Camí de Cavalls 360º started in the early hours of the morning from the rocky side of Calespiques, where runners and bikers departed. Ahead of them not only the most captivating stage of the competition, but the longest: 71.5 kilómetres & 1.543 m of elevation for cyclists and 57.5 km & 1.349 m for the runners.
As it happened yesterday Sa Roqueta demonstrated why it is also known as the wind island. Strong gusts, together with a wild sea breaking into the cliffs, offered and epic setting for this second part of the competition. Weather conditions, nonetheless, were benevolent and ended up delivering a gentle day, perhaps even too hot to push the body to the maximum.
Mountainbike: Ventura-Avilés Se Escapan
The first part of the stage to Cala Morell, was marked by rocky and aggressive ground, typical of balearic limestone. This was a technical terrain in which the progression was difficult and slow on two wheels. But not to all, leaders Ismael Ventura and Oliver Avilés, equipped with double suspension bikes, crossed the section demonstrating their power and opening the first real distance from their pursuers.
Behind, the Balearics Toni Pascual and Oscar Mogollon did not lose momentum and were a little more than a minute behind on the red beach of Cala El Pilar. The chasing turned into a mirage. In the next section with less obstacles, the pair speeded up and began to take an advantage that would be final. Not even the “Mordor menorquin “, the area with the highest elevation could bring them down.
Finally, they crossed the finish line in 3 hours and 52 minutes. "It has been really hard. I have been in many mountain ranges such as the Alps or the Pyrenees and the circuit today was comparable to them," said Ventura, the Spanish mountain bike champion, while his partner was recovering from the effort. "Ismael has had to pull me from kilometer 40, he is too strong," said Avilés.
The Pascual-Mogollon duo repeated the second position they took yesterday, reaching the finish line in Es Mercadal 12 minutes later, while another Balearics pair, Xavier Mascaró and Esteve Pascual – Toni´s brother, jumped up to the third place.
Trailrun: Garay-Barrenetxea Put Pressure On Locals Pons-Urbiña
After their victory in the first stage, Alexandre Urbina and Javier Pons came out today with a very clear strategy: to test their rivals. They started very strong, pushed by the wind, and soon distanced themselves from the group. Seeing that no one was in the game, the Menorcans decided to reduce the pace and the winners of the last edition, Roberto Garay and Isusko Barrenetxea set the pace.
But what began as a tactical move almost cost them their leadership. From Cala Morell, already under a merciless sun, the Basques were increasing their distance, and at the port of Sanitja which was built on a Roman settlement, already had 7 minutes lead.
From there on, with a flatter a section, Garay-Barrenetxea raced without stopping straight to the finish line in a time of 5 hours and 22 minutes. "Never run looking back. For us it is important to come here, live these days and share miles. We do not care much if we are going first or last," explained the guys from Sopelana (Vizcaya).
The local pair Urbina-Pons came in fast 9 minutes later. "The heat and the dehydration have given me cramps. At the end we have push ourselves as much as we could to keep the lead in the general classification," shared Pons, who along with Urbina will start tomorrow as leaders but with only a minute of advantage.
Third And Last Stage: Maó – Es Mercadal
Athletes remain on the north coast of Menorca to face their last stage together from Mao to Es Mercadal. It is curious to see how people who two days ago were complete strangers, now interact spontaneously, always with passion as a backdrop.
It is the magic of "an island, three stages, an epic adventure", the proposal of the CamelBak Epic Camí de Cavalls 360º. This Sunday will bring the 2018 edition to such a marvelous conclusion covering the Natural Park of Albufera des Grau, the most important natural area of the island.
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