After two weeks and 1,400 kilometers, the National Road Series or Guantánamo-Pinar-Havana Cycling Classic - as this historic biking event is known, intent upon recovering its unique, prestigious name: The Circuit - came to an end on February 28.
In spite of its various names, it has been three years since international competitors have participated in the country’s main biking event, a reality which will hopefully change looking toward next year’s edition - lending a certain amount of recognition to an event which takes cyclist deep into Cuban nature.
The competition featuring the island’s best road cyclists was won for the second consecutive year by José Mojica from Artemisa, who consolidated his overall victory after triumphing in the Topes de Collantes mountain stage, in the center of the country, and finishing in second place in the individual time trial in Pinar del Río, in the west of the island.
The 28 year old cyclist stayed with his team across certain stretches, avoiding the breakaway packs, also holding back over the short distance high speed sections, before crossing the finish line.
“I go fast on occasion, but my preferred courses are the mountain and the time-trial. I’m not in the right physical condition, nor do I have the power to compete in a sprint, where I would risk falling or causing an accident with the rest of my competitors. I would only cause problems, not to mention I could hurt them, wasting hours of training and preparation,” noted the cyclist.
Knowing his strengths and weaknesses has been the key to the Guanajay native’s success, who has been contracted to compete with the Argentinean Start Cycling Club, and will be donning the organization’s uniform this month.
Competing in international events, alongside professionals, will contribute to raising his level and give a boost to Cuban route cycling, looking to revive itself after several disappointing years.
