Madrid, 16th February 2010. The best Mountain Bike competition in our country comes to Madrid with the first round of the Spain Open – Villa de Madrid. This event, which will be the most important in this year's national MTB calendar, will take place at Casa de Campo on Sunday 20th March.
A highly significant event for all bikers competing to secure their place at the 2012 Olympic Games, as all five rounds of this Spain Open count towards qualification for the London Games. Though this Madrid event will feature the highest concentration of top-level bikers and offers the most qualification points for London.
Over 700 bikers will descend on Madrid's Casa de Campo, including José Antonio Hermida, who will be honoured for his current title as world champion. For the first time in MTB history, a Spanish rider has won the rainbow jersey in the men's elite category. Double Olympic champion Julien Absalon (France) may also compete. Current 2010 Spain Open champions Iñaki Lejarreta and Anna Villar will be present, along with riders like Carlos Coloma (6th in last year's World Championship) and Ruben Ruzafa (2nd in last season's Spain Open).
The competition will take place on Casa de Campo's iconic circuit, which has hosted several Mountain Bike World Cup events. A course without major elevation changes but fast and demanding, ensuring closely fought and exciting races.
Event schedule:
9:30 – Master category start
11:00 – Cadet/Junior/Women's Elite start
13:00 – PRO Group/Senior start
The Royal Spanish Cycling Federation (RFEC) will oversee the entire Open across its five rounds between March and June 2011. Event organisation for this first round will be handled by communications and events company Last Lap.
Registration for this first round of the Madrid Spain Open opens on 20th February. Entries can be made at www.lastlap.com or by calling 91-661 15 00.
