A sold out L’Etape by Tour de France race caused quite a scene in Mexico on Sunday 26 March, with 1800 amateur cyclists taking over the Palacio Mundo Imperial hotel in the port city of Acapulco to compete in 115, 64 and 40 kilometer events modeled on the world famous Tour de France.

In balmy seaside temperatures ranging from 70-90F, Omar Gómez Orozco, 30, pulled on the yellow champion’s jersey after riding 115km in 2:44:57 to win his first L’Etape gran fondo race with an average speed of 41.81kph. Gerardo Alberto Arellano Martinez (2:45:00) and Cesar Salvador Vaquera Resendiz (2:45:18) filled the remaining podium steps.

Official results also show Stefania Ramos Franco, 30, was crowned champion and awarded a yellow jersey after winning the women’s race in 2:48:09, defeating Maria Concepcion Cruz Martinez (2:48:10) in a two-up sprint. Alejandra Guardian Beltran (2:50:33) finished third.

In the 64km medio fondo, first place in the women’s race went to 45 year-old Mayra Yadira Aldaco (1:41:21), with 35 year-old Miguel Angel Ramírez González (1:34:29), from Venezuela, winning the men’s race.

Mexico will host four additional L’Etape by Tour de France races for amateurs this year: Cancun 25 June, Puebla 10 September, Queretaro 22 October and Mexico City 26 November.

Complete L’Etape Acapulco results HERE.

Photo Credit: L’Etape Acapulco

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