By Yaritza Rivas / yrivas@elnuevodia.com Florida
- Over 300 cyclists gathered yesterday on the sixth Classic Mountain Bike Florida, which took place in the grounds of the park Rafael "Fello" Marrero.
There were competed in 21 categories as part of the activity that regulates the official calendar of the Commission's Cross Country Mountain Bike (MTB) of Puerto Rico.
"There is a category for everyone. They are divided by age and technique, "said the director of the MTB Commission of Puerto Rico, Pedro Lugo, while cyclists of different ages crossed the booth to record the time and turns given by each athlete.
"The difference between categories are those laps," said Lugo, who said the family approach that had the activity. The route was extended for six miles.
divisions for children, beginners, intermediate, advanced, elite national ICU and Clydesdale, who are 50 pounds or more over their ideal weight are some of the skill levels of this classic, the fifth to be held during the season Mountain Biking 2008.
Waldo Ortiz, Lajas, was one of the participants in the Clydesdale category, "like the Budweiser horses," he adds.
However, he has sweated about 16 pounds so that Ortiz, who started in mountain biking recreationally with the Pirates of Boqueron, fears that if it continues to lose pounds, pulled out of the category of "heavyweights."
Luciano Sanchez, organizer and competitor in the race, explained that the paths of the route, "mostly made by hand", began to work since last December. In the work, they helped about 20 people.
"With much sacrifice and effort we have established an important date in the calendar of mountain bike," said Sanchez about the classic that takes six years active. Sanchez was sponsored by the Municipality Florida for the activity.
For lunch there were more winners. Eudaldo Asencio, came in first place in the elite category. And Josette Velazquez did the same in the same category of women. "We're looking for Central time," said the rider after crossing the finish line first. Velázquez
belongs to the Warriors in Pink team whose mission is to create awareness among women that cycling can prevent and cure breast cancer. On casters
Most guys also showed off their skills on wheels, literally. Children four and five years wore in a short and funny race, which had an initial false start. When they got started, his parents rushed to side with them. I would
the largest, to rival those aged 12 years, Fernando Vega Santos, of Coamo. The 11 year old waiting for his turn early in the grounds of the classic. "I started thrashing," said Vega Santos about his experience as a mountain bike racer. "I have a hill nearby and train there," said the teenager with his father.
Next mountain circuit race will be the 1st. June in Barranquitas. Flickr Creative Commons
Contributor: lucanassini
