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Chronicle of the First Stage of the 4 Stage MTB Race Lanzarote of the Club La Santa

Tim Smeenge and Tessa Kortekaas take victory in the first stage time trial

After more than two months of sporting pause on the island, Club Santa has given the starting signal for its calendar annual with the 4 Stage MTB Race Lanzarote, an event that welcomes almost 400 participants from different corners of the world.

The atmosphere in Caleta de Famara, in Teguise, was filled with enthusiasm from the early hours of the morning. The strong wind, characteristic of this area, accompanied the cyclists in a test that combines physical demands with a high tactical component.

The presence of recognized figures in the cycling and triathlon field, such as Luis Leon Sanchez, generated even more interest in seeing how a time trial would unfold, which was characterized by its ascending profile up to the Ermita de las Nieves, located at an altitude of 596 meters.

The time trial: the most demanding individual challenge

This first stage, with a 21 kilometer route, challenged each cyclist to excel alone, since the starts were staggered.

Thus, each rider faced the slopes and the wind without being able to hide in any peloton. The psychological factor takes on special importance in a time trial, since the objective is to maintain a constant pace and manage energy well before reaching the summit.

The gradual climb, combined with the track sections, required precise management of cadence and power. Due to the characteristics of the terrain, there was hardly any respite. The route was almost entirely uphill, so each pedal stroke became a real test of strength and endurance.

The kings of the climb: Tim Smeenge and Tessa Kortekaas

The excitement grew as the strongest cyclists approached the Ermita de las Nieves.

To the surprise of many fans, Luis Leon Sanchez, the 2020 Spanish road cycling champion, was the first to reach the summit. However, the times achieved by the participants who left later ended up defining the podium of the day.

Finally, in the men's category, the Dutchman Tim Smeenge He set the best time with a time of 55:21:67.

Just 59 seconds later, the Italian Vincenzo Saitta sealed his second position, while Luis Leon Sanchez He finished 12 minutes and 39 seconds behind the leader. Smeenge's solidity and consistency make him the benchmark to beat in the next stages.

In the women's category, the victory also remained in the Netherlands thanks to Tessa Kortekaas, who completed the climb in 1:09:22:05.

His compatriots and direct rivals, Puck Pinxt and the Slovak Janka Keseg, fought tooth and nail throughout the course, finally finishing in second and third position, respectively.

Full standings and time differences

Male category

  1. Tim Smeenge (NL) – 55:21:67
  2. Vincenzo Saitta (ITA) – +00:00:59
  3. Luis Leon Sanchez (ENG) – +00:12:39

Female category

  1. Tessa Kortekaas (NL) – 1:09:22:05
  2. Puck Pinxt (NL) – +00:3:23:82
  3. Janka Keseg (SVK) – +00:3:32:57

What will come in the second stage

For tomorrow's day, an even longer route is expected, which will have both the start and finish at the Estadio de Club Santa.

The profile of the second stage features several fast and flowing sections, a notable change from the clearly upward challenge of the time trial. The cyclists will face a route where technical skill will be essential, as the descents and fast track sections can make the difference in the split times.

In addition to all this, the wind will continue to play an important role, complicating aerodynamics and forcing each rider to find the optimal position on the bike.

The 4th Stage MTB Race Lanzarote de Club Santa The race has started off on the right foot. The initial time trial has made clear the competitiveness that reigns in each category and has served as a preview of what is to come over the next few days.

Tim Smeenge y Tessa Kortekaas They are the clear leaders after the first stage, but nothing is certain yet. With three more days of competition ahead, anything can happen on the mountain roads of Lanzarote.

Drafting

Triathlon News Editorial: We are the award-winning team in 2019 and Best Triathlon Website, made up of communicators passionate about triathlon, with more than 14 years of experience. We strive to offer you the most accurate, relevant and up-to-date information, conveying the excitement and dedication that characterize this sport.
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