13 Feb SERGIO MANTECÓN STAGE PODIUM IN THE MEDITERRANEAN EPIC
Sergio Mantecón, from the team Scott Cala Bandida, ambassador of ISB Sport, climbs the podium in the first stage of the Mediterranean Epic, one of the best races in the world. The “bandido” managed to beat his rivals in the time trial.
Four days of maximum intensity. That was the Mediterranean Epic held in Oropesa del Mar. A race that has already become one of the main objectives of the team SCOTT Cala Bandida, ambassador of ISB Sport, as the best riders in the world will be there.
On Thursday the race started with a great time in the time trial by Sergio Mantecón who gave everything and that was enough to get on the podium with a third place. The whole team warmed up their legs for the days ahead and started the race giving battle from the first moment.
The level demanded from the first day was very high and the team had to pull out their teeth in the second stage. The demanding effort of the first day made Sergio suffer more than necessary in the second stage finishing 14th. Miquel and Jose Marí despite having a good pace of race did not manage to stand out, the latter due to the viral illness he was going through. For her part, Natalia managed to cut the lead with her teammates but without reaching her best version.
The third stage was undoubtedly the hardest of all, 105 km with a positive difference in altitude of 2,120m. A stage in which no matter how hard the team tried to row, things did not go well. Miquel entered the finish line followed by Sergio who, despite fighting until the end, several mechanical problems kept him away from the podium. Natalia managed to finish in sixth position and Jose Mari had to retire due to a bad cold.
The 52 km of the last day left us with a unique image of the bandits riding the last kilometres along the beach of Oropesa. With a finish far from what we would have liked but fought to the end with that third place of Sergio in the first stage and with Natalia among the best runners in the women’s category.
“Mediterranean Epic finished, with the best runners in the world. I have given my best after a break of more than 9 months due to health problems. I’m still looking
for rhythm in competition and every day I’m feeling much better”- Natalia Fischer
“To get a podium in one of the most important races in the world is something very important. In addition, Mediterranean Epic for us is like racing at home, with our
people, which makes it even more special”-Sergio Mantecón