QF Focus Magazine “Monforte Del Cid” Cycle Sportif.
On Sunday22nd March, fifteen members of Team “Cyclogical” based in Quesada travelled to Monforte del Cid to participate in the 2nd Valle de las Uvas (valley of the grapes) Marcha.
The team left from the Cyclogical shop in Quesada at 6.45am and travelled in convoy along the AP7 turning onto the Madrid road at Elche following it to Monforte approx 20kms before arriving at the Sports centre at 7.45am. Registration started at 8am so the guys were first in the queue then straight to the nearest restaurant for breakfast. The race was well organised and started on time at 9.30am with a mass start and no pace car which was brilliant. The group soon thinned out as many of us left the town at 46km per hour. There were over 600 riders participating and 5 of the guys representing team Cyclogical were taking part in their first event including Mickey, who was also the oldest competitor at 76 years young. The route was well sign posted with plenty of helpers, dispatch riders and police motorcycles assisting to marshal the route.
The course covered a total distance of 99kms with just under 1000 metres of climbing involved, which was an easy route and ideal for beginners. There were 600 riders participating on this route and it was not long before there were many splinter groups, but everyone just found their own pace and got on with it. The first groups of riders were very quick and it was not long before they made their mark and arrived back at 2 hrs 30mins. The first riders of team “Cyclogical” Owen, Big Al and Gary were back at 2hr 45mins with the rest of their guys back around the 3 hour mark. Many riders took over 4 hours to complete the circuit. Five of the team have only been cycling road bikes for 6 months and were taking part in their very first Sportif cycling event. They all performed really well with most of the team finishing in the top 50% of riders, which was excellent. Mickey was not only the oldest competitor but finished in a great time of 3hrs 50mins and was chuffed to bits.
The team, pictured on their trusted steads was made up of Peter Cunningham, Kelvin Howard, Tony Nolan, Malcky Murray, Alan Quearns, Owen Desmond, Robert Capel, Glyn Whiting, Richard Binns, Gary Routledge, Alan Ray, Mickey Whybrow, Dave Robertson, Martyn Stone and Dave Brown. All of the team had an excellent day of cycling and returned to Quesada with the Ham (Jamon) presented to the largest team. On the Sunday evening after the race Peter had organised a great buffet party which everyone attended with their partners and had a great finish to another great day. The guys are looking forward to returning to Monforte next year. The team would also like to thank all their sponsors for their continued support, Sol-4 Investment Consulting, Expat Pensions and Investments, Arrow Rent A Car, Shenanigans Bar, Spanish Insurance, Securidan, Pulse Core Fitness and Ambience Fires and Solar.
Team “Cyclogical” meet every Thursday night at 5.30pm and Sunday mornings at 8am and cover between 90 and 120kms at a moderate to fast pace, so if you fancy a challenge come along and join us.
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Looking to improve your fitness, riding ability and speed and also have a new group of friends to train with then why not come along and give it a try or call Gary on 637 487 377.
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