Well, what can we say about the weather during the middle of February? Mojácar was ready and waiting for a weekend of sport and carnival fun, but wasn’t quite expecting such gloomy conditions.
SPORT
The Vuelta Ciclista a Almeria 2003 took place on 17th, 18th and 19th and 300 riders set out on a grey and cold morning on the 17th to face the challenge of 88kms from Huercal Overa to Mojácar Playa. However, they faced just about everything you could throw at them weather wise, but like true sporting professionals weathered the rain, cold, wind and grey skies to finish 15 minutes earlier than the quickest estimated time. I guess they were keen to get to that finish line as soon as possible in the circumstances!
The following day wasn’t much better for their 100km journey from Mojácar Playa to Mojácar Pueblo.
Congratulations to all riders especially to José Manuel Cayuela (Encacon SLU) winner of day 1 with a time of 1 hour, 54 minutes and 19 seconds, followed in 2nd place by José Antonio Sanchez (Kazajoz) and Victor Perez Abela (Eshmun Sport Clinic) in 3rd.
The first lady to pass the finish line was Azahara Pozuelo with a time of 1 hour, 59 minutes and 13 seconds with 2nd place going to Ana Isabel Morales (Dr Bike Granada) and Maria Garcia (Bicicletas km.0) in 3rd.
Day 2 saw Manuel Maestra (CC Juan Zurano) take first place with a time of 2 hours, 15 minutes and 30 seconds with Jorge Martin Montenegro, 11 seconds behind in 2nd place and Victor Perez Abela 17 seconds later to finish 3rd. These three riders took a clear break with a total of 1.5 minutes ahead of the group.
Azahara Pozuelo continued her success on the 2nd day with another win with Marcia Garcia in 2nd place, almost 2 minutes behind.
Day 3 was a time trial of 14km departing and returning to Adra, but we’re unable to comment on weather conditions and the final results due to our deadlines. However, whilst sitting in my car waiting for the carnival to pass, if current conditions continue it’s not looking very promising.
Cycle race photos credit: Donna Marie
CARNIVAL
Talking about the Carnival…. Certainly not the best weather conditions and whoever is responsible for it decided to up their game and send us rain just before the estimated start time of 5pm. Now, call me a cynic but I truly believed it would be at best postponed. But I was proved wrong (it has been known on occasions!) and nothing could deter these troupes and groups. I suppose they’ve been practising their moves, costume production and routines for ages and the little ones especially would have been heartbroken not to have taken part. It was heartwarming to see such support from the general public that braved the elements to cheer them on.
Well done to all those that took part, helped behind the scenes, the police that kept the roads clear for the procession and the Town Hall for their support.
BUSINESS UPDATE
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