The second UCI Gran Fondo World Series race of the 2022 season took place in Portugal this past weekend at Gran Fondo Coimbra Region, with the Women’s races dominated by Ana Caramelo who won both the Time Trial and Gran Fondo, while 50+ year-old hometown hero Alberto Ameral won Saturday’s Time Trial and Frenchman Loic Ruffat scored a convincing Gran Fondo victory on Sunday.
Over 600 amateur cyclists participated in the two day event with hopes of qualifying for the 2022 UCI Gran Fondo World Championships scheduled in Trento, Italy next September.
Weather for Saturday’s Time Trial was filled with sunshine and wonderful blue skies, while the Gran and Medio Fondos started under damp, dark and grey skies on Sunday morning, before finishing in the sun.
Alberto Amaral rode the fastest time trial in 0:23:33 on a 17.3 kilometre couse with a demanding 1 kilometre climb. Ivan Sa was next at 0:24:02, followed by Jorges Marques in 0:24:09. The fastest women was Anna Caramelo at 0:28:03.
In the 152km Gran Fondo, Loic Ruffatt rode away from the competition to hoist his bike above his head and carry it across the finish line first in 3:48:52. Rui Sa was second and Nuno Inacio third, both at 3:54:41. Ana Caramelo scored her second win for the weekend by claiming the Women’s Gran Fondo race in 4:28:47.
Caroline Trender who finished 2nd in her 55-59 category could not have been more pleased with the event and said, “A brilliant event. My only race of the year and it was well worth the long drive from France. Thanks to all the event organisers, volunteers etc. Portugal you’ve been amazing. I’ll be back!”
Complete UCI Gran Fondo Coimbra Region Saturday Time Trial results HERE.
Complete UCI Gran Fondo Coimbra Region Sunday Fondo results HERE.
PHOTOS: Gran Fondo Coimbra
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