The Igualadino runner Roger Roca, with a record of 30: 41, in the men's category, and the young triathlete of 16 years Carlas Bertos (CN Prat), in females, with a chronometer of 38: 32, they have imposed themselves in the 34 edition of the Cursa de la Mercè that today has been played in Barcelona with the participation of 15.700 runners.
Photo: RICARD CUGAT
A truly red and white tide with the slogan 'Semper Olímpics' on the shirts, commemorating the 20º anniversary of the Barcelona Games, has invaded the streets of the city in which it has represented a new participation record with almost 15% more than in the last edition. The mayor of the city, Xavier Trias, has given the exit to the 9.30 hours with a first group of 4.300 runners who have followed the majority group five minutes later.
The inscription at the last minute of the Olympic marathoners in London 2012, Carles Castillejo, winner last year, and Nacho Cáceres, has given a high level to the men's race, but the absence of the Moroccan Hasna Bahom, winner in three editions in women , has left the triumph very open and Carla Bertos, with only 16 years, has become the youngest winner in the history of La Cursa de la Mercè.
He was the winner in the 2004
Over a 10 urban route very flat kilometers, in the passage through the equator of the race was the igualadino athlete Roger Roca who crossed solo with a 15 record: 09, followed by 15 seconds by a group of three runners, formed by Driss Lakohuaja, Jose Luis Blanco and Pol Guilén. Castillejo went to 1: 20 and Nacho Cáceres, very off the hook, four minutes away. In females, the veteran Carme Auñón and the young Carla Bertos ran together, followed by two seconds by Elena Hidalgo; The trio had completely broken the race in its category.
Roger Roca, current duathlon world champion, has repeated his triumph of the 2004 after send from start to finish and has overcome in 17 seconds Llorengo José Luis Blanco and 20 Moroccan Driss Lakouaja, who has not been able to reissue his 2007 victory. Carles Castillejo has finally occupied the eighth position with a time of 32: 49, while Nacho Cáceres, also far from his best form, has entered the position 120, with 37: 28.
The surprise has jumped in the female category with the young Carla Bertos a promise of triathlon, debutante at Cursa de la Mercè and that in the last kilometer he has left behind all his rivals and has won with a 38.32 time trial, with 13 seconds ahead of Ripollesa Elena Hidalgo and 1: 03 over the Moroccan Ouafaa Hamani, another rookie. Carme Auñón has been fourth with 40: 12.
Source: elperiodico.com
