Moerman and Lourenco fastest at growing Granfondo Coimbra Region
The Granfondo Coimbra Region moved from June to early in the season, establishing itself as the opening round on the European circuit
Photo Credit: UCI Granfondo Coimbra / Marco Barbosa
The fourth edition of top Portugese cycling event attracted a record number of participants.
In a wet and windy weekend, the 20km time trial on Saturday was followed by a challenging yet picturesque 148 km Granfondo, with a shorter Mediofondo covering 106km for older age groups.
The rain didn't stop play. In the time trial, Francisco Salido (ESP) won in a remarkable time of 26m 31s, outpacing compatriot Luis Borras by 12 seconds. Helder Loureiro (POR) was third, trailing by 25 seconds. Salido boasted an impressive average speed of 45.3 kph.
Line Ostergaard (DEN) dominated the women's time trial, finishing in a time of 31m 58s, an average speed of 37.5 kph. Patricia Rosa (POR) was second 56s behind and Helen McKay grabbed third place, 1m 10s behind.
In the Gran Fondo on Sunday, Jens Moerman (BEL) sprinted past two Portuguese riders in the finale, beating Tiago Galhano and Joao Jacinto, to claim victory. Lars Coppenolle, the M19-34 World Champion, led out a peloton of 50 riders, securing fourth place, just two minutes behind the leaders.
Susana Lourenco (POR) emerged victorious in the women’s category, crossing the finish line with a lead of two and a half minutes over Marisa Costa (POR). Line Ostergaard (DEN), the time trial winner, secured third place overall, finishing 12 minutes behind Lourenco. Both winners boasted impressive average speeds of 39.5 kph and 35 kph, respectively.
Riders finishing in the top 25% of their category automatically qualify to participate in the 2024 UCI Gran Fondo World Championships taking place in Alberg, Denmark this September.
Link to 2024 UCI Granfondo Coimbra Region: https://resultados.stopandgo.pro/1292/Individual
The next round is the UCI Millars Gran Fondo in Spain on March 10th.
Photo Credit: UCI Granfondo Coimbra / Marco Barbosa