Double commitment in Spain on one-day races: Ordizia and the ‘redesigned’ Castilla y León

25 July: 98º Ordiziako Klasikoa – Prueba Villafranca
Ordizia – Ordizia (169 km)

29 July: 35º Vuelta a Castilla y León
León – Ponferrada (181,2 km)

Not even the pandemic could destroy this tradition, which is a celebration of sport, a myth in a calendar that has to pamper it and consider it with respect. In 2020, out of date, of course. In 2021 it will return to normal. The Ordiziako Klasikoa is back. The Ordiziako Klasikoa, another year faithful to its date. A special race, very special, handcrafted in some aspects, but all of it endearing and marvellous. A race with atmosphere, with a route, with very competitive resolutions, which is approaching its first century of existence.

The route remains the same as in recent years, with the double circuit that always climbs Larraitz and to which Altzo is added in the last two laps. It is a challenging route, which invites many strategic alternatives, and in which from year to year the teams with which the Contador Foundation has been present have been taking steps forward and evolving. There is no doubt that the Ordiziako Klasikoa is one of those races that we would like to win at some point.

For the race in Gipuzkoa, Jesús Hernández will count on the Hungarian Márton Dina, the Portuguese Daniel Viegas and the Spaniards Sergio García, Arturo Grávalos, Alejandro Ropero and Diego Pablo Sevilla. A team that, with the only novelty of the entry of Vincenzo Albanese for Sergio García, would repeat a few days later in an atypical Vuelta a Castilla y León that, after its cancellation last year, returns again to the roads, although this time under the formula of a one-day race, far from the five stages that it used to have five years ago.

This Vuelta a Castilla y León will actually connect the capital of León with Ponferrada with the added attraction that in the final part the riders will compete on the same circuit that hosted the 2014 World Championships. A route with the climbs of Montearenas (5.1 km at 3.5%) and Compostilla (1.1 km at 6%) which the riders will have to complete two laps before reaching the final straight at the Ronda Norte.

For Portugal’s Daniel Viegas it will be a very special race series because it means his return to competition after breaking his left collarbone during a training session: “I’m really looking forward to racing again. Even though I haven’t been able to do many races, I think I’m going to be in good shape. I’m confident to do good races for the team, but I’m also aware that I have to go slowly”.

Vincenzo Albanese, who returns to competition after a period of rest: “I’m very well, I’m very fit and motivated…. I’m confident of doing very well. I would like to win, because races in Spain are among my favourites, both because of the cheering of the people on the roads and because of the circuits, which are very suitable for my characteristics”.

98º Ordiziako Klasikoa – Prueba Villafranca.
Ordizia – Ordizia (169 km).

35º Vuelta a Castilla y León.
León – Ponferrada (181.2 km).