Ainhoa Murua (Spain) e Aurélien Raphael (France) were the big winners of the European Cup in Quarteira that was played this afternoon. Among the Portuguese, João Pereira was the one who stood out, finishing the race in 4th final position after a strong rebound in the final race. In the women's competition, Anaís Moniz leading the race for the segments of swimming and cycling.
The women's competition was initiated by 13.45 with the participation of 36 athletes, including the Portuguese Anaís Moniz. The sea had become more peaceful in recent days but still had enough to influence the final outcome of the race waving. As previous Caroline Routier (Spain) was the first athlete to complete the 1500 meter swim, soon followed by the Portuguese Anaís Moniz, Ainhoa Murua also of Spanish and Ana Godoy and even the French Carole Peon.
That group of 5 elements has always had an excellent grasp over the 6 turns (a total of 40Km) compunham that segment of cycling. With this attitude, The leaders sought to leave behind some of the best runners squad, as was the case of Aileen Morrison, Irish athlete ever winning a race World Championship Triathlon and today, in Quarteira, found himself part of a stalker trio no ability to reduce gap to the front.
In the second transition of the group arrived 5 Leadership, which included Anaís Moniz, with little more than a minute ahead of Morrison. A significant advantage that allowed the Spanish Ainhoa Murua impose its rhythm, 3km to isolate yourself and to add an important and moralizing triumph in his career. However, and despite the advantage that started the final race, came to be thought that the triumph of Murua would be at risk in the face of great race that Morrison was showing. The pace was so strong already in the final stage allowed Morrison overcome Carole Peon, relegating it to third place.
Anaís Moniz always struggled for a place among the first but already in the finals was overtaken by some of the strongest runners.
Men's Competition
Follow-up, by 16.30 the men's race, proof which were 14 between the Portuguese 68 participants. Among those present were 7 athletes with world titles under his belt and also the last two winners of the competition.
At the outset, It is som o buzina, affected hair strong wind that Fazio feel, not reached all athletes at the same time and some people lose some fraction of a second. Was the case of John Silva, that was the expectation of a false start, but quickly recovered and began the second round of swimming have placed in front of proof. The ripple reached the platoon and, between the Portuguese candidates um prominent place, Bruno Parents who were lost over time.
At first transition has come a platoon led by Anthony French Pujades, Pierre Le Corre e Aurélien Raphael. Near the front were also John Duarte Silva and Marques, that way integrated the Leadership Group.
With, mainly the French team, keen to leave behind some of the best runners, as Mario Mola (victor 2011 and 4th place a week ago in the World Cup Moololaba) understanding was good and the advantage grew.
In the chasing group were several national representatives, was the case of John Pereira, Arraiolos Miguel and Pedro Palma. Bruno Pais was to integrate this group already in the later half of the cycling segment.
Ahead, there have been several moves until the decisive breakout starring arose by Aurélien Raphael, Pujades Antony and the Russian Denis Vasiliev. The trio made a very strong end of the segment and entered the transition with an advantage that allowed Raphael to keep the competition at bay along the 10km race played along the promenade of Quarteira filled with enthusiastic public. The two runners-up would end Pierre Le Corre and Fernando Alarza, two members of the first chasing group. Back give them, with a fantastic recovery in the race (the best part of the race) ranked number João Pereira.
The second best would be Portuguese Miguel Arraiolos in 16th position, followed by Pedro Palma on 19th, Bruno Pais on 21th, Duarte Marques in the 23rd, Joao Amorim on 41st, Hugo Alves na 42ª, John Serrano on 48th, Tiago Maia in 49th, Pedro Mendes 50th, Hugo Ventura 51 º e José Veiga na 57 ª. Gil Maia is the only Portuguese not to finish the race.
João Silva, which premiered in competition this season 2012 finished the race in 43th final position. The result does not reflect the performance athlete who swam across Benedicta of the first, was always well placed in the race and only cycling (the segment that has been unable to work for part of the preseason due to injury) was losing positions but opting, nevertheless, for staying in the race as a way to celebrate with the public support expressed.
Tomorrow, it's time for junior athletes to compete in the first European Cup of the season 2012. Tomorrow is also disputed the fourth stage of the National Club Championship.
