This little piggy goes to Carboneras

THE second edition of ‘The cochinillo’ (piglet) cycling race in Huercal-Overa turned out to be a great success. A strong field of 60 cyclists from nearby towns such as Pulpi, Vera, Lorca, Mojacar, and further afield from Granada and Almeria took part in the 58 kilometre race held during the Christmas Holidays.

It took place on a four kilometre urban circuit with 16 laps, with the early laps very evenly contested by the leading contenders. Eventually an attack from from Jose Molina of Team Aguila Bike of Vera Playa broke up the main group. 

From there Chris Bartlett (Metaltek), the British professional cyclist who was winner of the first edition, led the chasing pack that comprised of around 30 cyclists. Bartlett pushed hard to make up the gap alongside Lorcan Manuel Calzado and over the final laps it was between the three cyclists.

When it appeared that the race was going to be decided with a sprint finish ‘Molinaco’ dug deep and sprinted away without response from his rivals to cross the line first. So the  prize piglet goes to Carboneras  thanks to Jose Molina, and may well have a happy ending as Jose commented after the race: “I’m going to take the piglet to Carboneras. Maybe I will keep him as a team mascot.”

The women’s event was won by cyclist  Maria Jose Haro from Pulpi (Bicilocura-Espabrok) .The local winner was once again Pedro Torrente Garcia (Costa Bike). The largest representation was from the  team Cycles Montoya (Baza) with 11 racers, who also went home with a trophy and a ham.