Epic Cami de Cavalls 360
The Rain Brings A Truly Epic Finale
Press Release / 05.03.2018
A third stage in the rain ended this classic Menorcan challenge with a victory for Ventura-Avilés in the the MountainBike category, and Urbina-Pons in the TrailRun. The natural charm of the island and the shared adventure will remain in the memory of its more than 200 participants.
Menorca (04/03/2018) - Over 200 endurance athletes took part this year at the CamelBak Epic Camí de Cavalls 360º and had to deal with the rocks, the wind, the elevation and even the heat, but it wasn´t until the last stage that they had to endure constant rain throughout the stage. Menorca dawned soaking wet. The gray and cold winter mood contrasted with the lush green vegetation surrounding the start line arch, a prelude of what they would find on a route of great ecological value.
The 3rd stage, of about 50 km for the MountainBike and TrailRun categories and 38.5kms for the Experience, was between Mahon and Es Mercadal. It took in part of the the Natural Park of S'Albufera des Grau, the most important nature preserve of the island, and passed through magical corners like favaritx and S'Arenal d'en Castell.
Mountainbike: Ismael Ventura And Oliver Avilés Did Not Spare
In the port of Mahon start had to be delayed. Some wetlands were flooded during the night and were impassable, so the organization was forced to make last minute changes to the route, by removing 5km of the most affected sections.
After wining the first two stages, Ismael Ventura and Oliver Avilés were distancing themselves further from the first few kilometers. With the difficulties of a mudded terrain and the reduced visibility the duo gained an advantage on the first slopes located between Sa Mesquida and Es Grau and, from there, they kept it right up to the end. "After yesterday’s beating, we expected an easy stage, but it has been quite the opposite: an epic ending in which all the cyclists have suffered to finish," said the Catalan pair after crossing the finish line in first position with a time 2 hours and 22 minutes.
Right behind, the balearic pairing of Toni Pascual & Oscar Mogollón demonstrated their toughness and for the third consecutive day they took second place. "We have swallowed a lot of mud on this final stage, but knowing that you have your partner by your side gives you extra strength to continue," shared Mogollon at the finishline. The bronze position was more tightly disputed, with three candidates including Marcello Lumina and Rafael Bosch who would finally got the podium slot.
Trailrun: Alex Urbiña & Javier Pons Keep The First Prize In The Island
The bike category may have had a clear winner but the trail running category was in doubt right until the last few kilometers. Menorcans Alex Urbina and Javier Pons started from Mahon with less than a minute advantage on the Basques Roberto Garay and Isusko Berrenetxea, although the planned route, faster than the previous ones, favoured of the Menorcans.
The Balearic team pushed into a brisk pace distancing themselves from the rest of the pack and their close rivals. The 4-minute margin which they enjoyed in Es Grau (km 11) were converted to 9 at the following CP in Salines de Fornells (km 41). The winding trails, sand zones and wide paths of the Natural Park of S'Albufera des Grau, the core of the biosphere reserve that the Island is listed for, felt good to the locals, but just when it seemed they had secured their position, the problems began.
The physical demands and the large number of kilometers covered in the last two days slowed Urbina-Pons down, while Garay-Barrenetxea kept up a solid pace. But their efforts weren´t enough and the locals took the stage victory in 4 hours and 26 minutes. "It has been a very nice battle and we are very happy, specially with lowering the total belwo 15 hours total. That was our real objective, not to win, but when we put the bib on we do show our most competitive side", said the young couple on their arrival in Es Mercadal.
In the Experience category, two young French men ruled the competition from start to finish, winning all three stages. Thomas Janichon and Benjamin Moleins, friends from the Center for Sports Studies in Chambéry, in the heart of the Alps, flew over the distance of 38.5 km and 551m of ascent, surprising everyone with their quality. Their faces of joy and happiness when when crossing the finish line clearly showed their happiness during the competition.
Joan Febrer: “We Have Created Again That Atmosphear Of Companionship Which Differentiates Us”
In the end, Race director Joan Febrer welcomed the results of this fourth edition of the CamelBak Epic Camí de Cavalls 360º. “Both the athletes and the organization have had to face the epic weather conditons. Everyone’s feedback was positive and from the organizers point of view we are proud of being able to deliver again that atmosphere of companionship which makes this race so special”.
Awards, trophies, hugs and farewells. Life goes on and after three intense days of competition, and above all, of brotherhood and a shared adventure, participants will go back to their normal routines. They take with them an experience that will keep them dreaming and training until next years edition, which has already confirmed dates: 8th, 9th and 10th of March 2019.
Live online
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A daily highlights video of each stage is available at: Canal Youtube de Camí de Cavalls 360º
CamelBak Epic Camí de Cavalls 360º
Press Team Isaac Fernández: Tel. +34 610 265 050 - Oliver Valles: Tel. +34 610 538 726 comunica@camidecavalls360.com
Race Director Joan Febrer: Tel. +34 660 125 965
www.epiccdc360.com
www.camidecavalls360.com
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