The Mediterranean coastline of Castellon provided the backdrop on Sunday as The Millars Gran Fondo – the only UCI Gran Fondo World Championship qualifier on Spanish soil – delivered a dramatic and hard-fought edition on its demanding 157-kilometre route through the Sierra de Espadán Natural Park.
In the men’s race, former Dutch pro Nick Van der Lijke Zijlaard claimed the overall victory with a time of 4:02:17, edging out a sprint finish against Spain’s Borja Gonzalez Mata and Italy’s Marco Rinaldi – all three finishing in an identical recorded time. The photo-finish placing decision went to the commissaires, with Alvaro Marza Martinez completing a strong top four just two seconds back at 4:02:19.
Among the women, Poland’s Ewelina Wolos – an IRONMAN World Champion – crossed the line in 4:26:14 to take the overall honours ahead of France’s Gwenaelle Legendre at 4:31:40 and Spain’s Ester Ruiz Aldana in 4:36:04.
With 2200 metres of elevation gain and climbs including the famous Salto del Caballo and the Alt Millars, the course rewarded physical and tactical strength in equal measure – a true test for those aiming to claim a world championship rainbow jersey in Niseko, Japan, this August.
The top 25% of each age/gender group earned a qualification place on the start line in Japan.
Complete 2026 UCI Millars Gran Fondo results HERE
Photo Credit: Facebook/dipcas
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