The European Road Cycling Championships kicked off its long-distance races this past Thursday in the Ardèche region of France. It was a day dominated by Spanish talent. Two riders named Paula, Blasi and Ostiz, claimed victories in their respective categories, marking a strong start for their nation.
Paula Ostiz showed why she is considered a rising star. After already securing a European time trial title, she added the junior road race gold to her collection. Ostiz powered through the 62.9-kilometer course in 1 hour, 46 minutes, and 47 seconds. She finished in the exact same time as Switzerland’s Anja Grossman, who took second. Italy’s Chantal Pegolo was close behind, just three seconds off the pace for third. This young Spaniard has had an incredible season, previously earning a gold in the line race and a silver in the time trial at the World Championships. For Portugal in this junior race, Bruna Gonçalves finished 83rd, Maria Coimbra was 84th, and Lara Ribeiro placed 86th. All three Portuguese riders crossed the finish line 13 minutes and 57 seconds after Ostiz.
Earlier in the day, Paula Blasi secured a win for Spain in the Under-23 women’s road race. Blasi completed the 85.7-kilometer distance in 2 hours, 30 minutes, and 28 seconds. It was a tight battle for the podium spots. Italy’s Eleonora Ciabocco grabbed second place, with France’s Julie Bego taking third. Both riders finished just nine seconds behind Blasi. Portugal’s Beatriz Roxo completed the race in 71st position, 19 minutes and 49 seconds behind the winner. Daniela Simão, another Portuguese competitor, unfortunately did not finish the challenging course.
In the men’s junior road race, Germany’s Karl Herzog was the man to beat. He completed the 103.4-kilometer route, starting and finishing in Guilherand-Granges, in 2 hours, 44 minutes, and 34 seconds. Italy’s Roberto Capelo finished 13 seconds later, earning him the silver medal. Ireland’s David Gaffney took the bronze, 43 seconds behind Herzog. Among the Portuguese riders, Guilherme Santos posted the best result of the day. He finished 22nd, 3 minutes and 12 seconds behind the German champion. Gonçalo Costa, another Portuguese cyclist, finished 24th with the same time as Santos. Sadly, Gonçalo Rodrigues had to abandon the race.