Sunday, April 15th saw the annual VII MTB La Mojaquera race fought out, bringing around 300 cyclists to Mojácar, including the best athletes from not only Almeria and Andalucía, but from all over Spain and Europe.
Mojácar Bike CCD, joint organizer of the event with Mojácar Council, have been busy finalizing details of the race that will open the official Federación Almeriense de Ciclismo circuit. Ana García, Mojácar Sports Councillor and Gerardo Martínez Cabello, Director of the Mojácar Bike CCD Club, have met with the Local Police, Civil Protection and the Red Cross to ensure volunteers along with all aspects of health and safety and, traffic control are in place so that the La Mojaquera Sierra Cabrera Xtreme will be another complete success.
Enhanced by the unique landscape of the area, this sporting challenge, under the hallmark of C.D. Mojácar Bike CCD, has already started the countdown that forms the first test for the Provincial Circuit in Almeria and the 2018 Andaluz MTB Marathon Ranking.
At 8 a.m. the 75 km testgot underway at Mojácar’s Campo de Fútbol, which includes a total climb of 2,300 metres above sea level through Mojácar, Turre and Carboneras, following mainly tracks and dirt roads, riverbeds and trails.
The route includes; Manacá, Sombrerico Beach, ‘La Cola del Dragón’, Bajada del Moro, Puerto Marina, La Puerta de la Ciudad and Puerta Azul. One of the most attractive points in the race will no doubt be passing through the centre of Mojácar and the approach to the finish line, after facing a demanding climb then descent to the Mediterranean coast.
There will be three refreshment points and two additional water points as well as a mechanical assistance area along the route as well as a control point.
The organizers have also included a shorter, 53 km non-competitive route a cumulative ascent of 1,300 metres that is equally attractive to a number of riders.
On the starting line were Victor Manuel Fernández, the current champion of the Mojaquera 2017 from Cordoba, part of the Wolfbike Bicicletas team.