Valverde rides with 10,000 cyclists at the Quebrantahuesos Gran Fondo

The XXXII Ibercaja Quebrantahuesos by TotalEnergies Cycling Tour returned to complete normality this Saturday for the first time since 2019, with more than 10,000 participants and with the honoree Alejandro Valverde (Movistar Team Gravel Squad) being the fastest, after setting a new record in 5h 14m 32s

Valverde rides with 10,000 cyclists at the Quebrantahuesos Gran Fondo

The Quebrantahuesos (aka Bearded Vulture) is Spain's biggest Gran Fondo.

The good weather encouraged cyclists from more than 30 nationalities, organized by Octagon Esedos. “Based on the satisfied face of all those who have crossed the finish line, I think we can speak of success. We needed this day after so many years of incidents,” said Xavier Bartrolí, president of Octagon Esedos company that organises the race.

Alejandro Valverde was the greatest attraction upon his arrival in Sabiñánigo, highlighting the good atmosphere on the day. “We rode gone in good weather and with friends. We have enjoyed it a lot. The challenge was amazing, with a lot of specttaors all over the route, incredible”, commented the Murcian cyclists as he crossed the finish line.

For the women, Dutch Nicolien Luijsterburg was the fastest to cross the finish line with a time of 6h 15m 33s. “It has been a very beautiful tour. It has been very hard, but sometimes I had to look around to appreciate how beautiful it was. I will return for sure,” said Luijsterburg, world champion in the Gran Fondo Series.

The ride is 205 kms in length, with 3,500 metres of height gained, on closed roads. You will pass through a stunning mix of Spanish and French Pyreneen scenery as you cross from one country to the other through the awe-inspiring mountain passes used in La Vuelta and the Tour de France.

The start takes place in the Spanish town of Sabiñánigo and the the route passes over the Col du Somport (1,640 m), France 's Col du Marie Blanque (Cat 1) and Col du Portalet (Cat 1, 1,795mt) before finishing back in Sabiñánigo.

The shorter Trepariscos route is a 90 kms challenge with 970 metres of climbing and is also hugely popular with over 2000 riders taking part. Like QBH, Trespariscos starts and finishes in Sabiñanigo but follows a different route. Riders receive all the same levels of support and are able to enjoy all of the same facilities as the QBH riders (showers, food, refreshments, beer, massage etc.)

The event has an economic impact “close to 18 million euros throughout the region” thanks to the Quebrantahuesos (aka Bearded Vulture). “We have lived a beautiful day to remember and I am sure that all the participants will want to return. Being three years with problems undermines your morale; but, if this year everything goes well as it has been up to now, it helps us recharge our batteries for the year coming,” said Fernando Escartín, from the Edelweiss Cycling Club.

Meanwhile, in the Treparriscos Medio Fondo test, Julen Uranga became the fastest runner with a time of 2h 24m 14s. In this sense, the first woman to reach the finish line was Pilar Arnal, crossing the line a few meters ahead of Maite Urteaga and with a best time of 2h 45m 34s.

Link to 2023 XXXII Ibercaja Quebrantahuesos Gran Fondo by TotalEnergies Results: https://sportmaniacs.com/en/races/quebrantahuesos-2023

The XXXII Ibercaja Quebrantahuesos by TotalEnergies Cycling Tour returned to complete normality this Saturday for the first time since 2019