Rain and 2000 competitors could not stop former professional racer Dario Gadeo from claiming victory at the sold out Gran Fondo Alberto Contador.
Starting at 8AM in Oliva (Valencia), Spain the peloton, headed by seven time Grand Tour champion Alberto Contador, rolled through city streets slick from gentle rain. Accompanying Contador was former teammate Jesús Hernández and former professional cyclists Pedro Horrillo and Joseba Beloki.
The rain would not let up until riders were well into the 146km course with 2211m of climbing.
Gadeo and Hernández eventually used drier roads to attack and get a gap on group of a dozen chasing riders. The duo worked well together and came into Oliva sprinting for victory. Gadeo got the best of Hernández by a wheel to finish in 4:15.42. Adelino Moll finished third 2 minutes later.
In the women’s category, Gemma Miguez won in 5:11:42 with Cristina Barrajón and Marta Romeu following closely.
Alberto Contador arrived in just over five hours surrounded by participants. “I had a great time, I enjoyed a lot with people and the tour has been beautiful,” said the former Tour de France winner.
2019 Gran Fondo Alberto Contador results here.
GRAN FONDO CALENDAR NORTH AMERICA here
GRAN FONDO CALENDAR EUROPE here
GRAN FONDO DAILY NEWS 