The first stage of the Andalucía Bike Race was won by José Antonio Hermida and Ralph Näf.

After more than three hours of hard competition,Hermida and Näf crossed the finish line followed by Ruben Ruzafa and Iñaki Lejarreta from Orbea. Kristian Hynek and Pavel Boudny riding for the Czech Ceska Sporitelna Specialized team finished third.

Spaniards occupied the next two positions: in fourth position Hispano-Luso team with Alejandro Díaz de la Peña and Luis Leao Pinto and fifth the Macías brothers riding for the Sportbici-Rotor-San Bartolomé team.

In the women’s category, Kristine Nørgaard and Sally Bingham had the honor to put on the leaders jersey after the first stage; second Jenny Smith and Kathy Sherwin, with Sandra Santanyes and Isabel Castro classifying in third position.

The first stage seems to have made a good impression on the participants; everyone was happy to enjoy the landmarks and remarkable views, including Córdoba city and the Sierra Morena Mountains, in warm and pleasant climate.

Even before getting off his bike after crossing the finish line, World Champion Jose Antonio Hermida said: “First stage was so much fun, me and Ralph enjoyed a lot!”

Hermidas compatriot Sandra Santanyes also enjoyed the stage and said: “Physically I felt very strong on this first quite technical stage.”

Mixed succes for British pairing

It was British success in the Mixed category, with  Cait Elliot and Josh Ibbett, riding for the Torq Performance MTB Team, taking the honours.

The second stage starts from Córdoba Ayre Hotel and passes through Medina Azahara Ruins and the western part of the province, passing singular landmarks such as Guadamellato Canal, Puerto Artafi and Bejarano waterfall. Temperatures are expected to be similar as today, 16ºC and partly cloudy.

You can follow the race online with live results on the official website www.andaluciabikerace.com.