On Saturday July 11th took place in Vilanova i la Geltrú the first edition of Juanita’s Fixed Crit where many riders from different places of the state came to race. This race is embedded in the context of the celebration of Juanita’s Beach Festival, in which many activities are held with a common bond, its proximity to the sea.
The route was one of the main attractions of the race; located in the fishing port, the winds between networks, boats and fishing gizmo, a whole new environment in the world of racing fixed gear.
With a temperature that could be described as unpleasant, the first registered collected their number, preparing for the qualification round. An interesting thing to note is that despite being its first edition, several women attended the Juanita’s Fixed Crit, which subsequently allowed taking place an independent career. Good for them!
From RAW, we did not want to lose the opportunity to live it from in, so we can tell you how went by the race from the qualification.
The route of 1,2km had sharp curves, highlighting two of 180º and a very obtuse chicane. This caused the accelerations and decelerations were constant and demanded a high level of effort and technical skill to riders who wanted to go really fast.
With this background some quick rankings, divided into two groups of 15 minutes duration, were played. A problem in the timing chip system, made the final race was divided into Amateur and Pro by rider choice and the already mentioned women race. After warming up in the RoodDol rollers zone available for riders, the nervousness began, RACE!
The first group was defined as the Amateur category. This race was marked by a solo attack from the start of the race; two pursuers behind groups were formed. The rider escaped crossed the finish line alone and the battle for second and third place was decided in the last corners.
Then the women showed they can go very fast on such a technical circuit as it was that of Juanita’s. The race was held with a relatively compact group that was not stretching to the latest curves, in the last two laps and pushed by the desire to prove who was the fastest, made a very fair arrival and it was decided to sprint.
Finally it was the turn of the PRO race, as soon as the ever-present speaker of the event countdown ended, it became clear that the group would take the weight of the race would impose a fast pace. Soon the bunch broke and there was only a large group in front, pursued as far as possible in pairs or solo riders who gradually were overtook mostly by this. With less than two laps, a change of pace smothered the group which prevented any escape attempt. Finally, as in the women race, the sprint decided the podium.
The final results by category were:
Women
- Irene Méndez
- Mariela Farabello
- Steff Gutovska
Amateur
- Unai Álvarez
- Manu Usach
- Jorge Rodríguez
Pro
- Marco Hita
- Alex…
- Luís Cordón
Our opinion on Juanita’s Fixed Crit, is to enjoy in a novel and attractive for both rider and spectator environment, so we predict a promising future in the local scene and we hope spreading more cities to organize great events like this. We have clear that in 2016 we are going to be there again.
