This year, Granfondo Coimbra Region shifted its schedule, moving from June to early in the season, establishing itself as the European UCI Gran Fondo opener. The event featured a 20km time trial on Saturday, followed by a challenging yet picturesque granfondo spanning 148km the next day, with a shorter mediofondo option covering 106km, serving as a qualifier for older age groups.
In the time trial, Francisco Salido (ESP) won with a remarkable time of 26 minutes and 31 seconds, outpacing his compatriot Luis Borras by 12 seconds. Helder Loureiro (POR) secured the third position, trailing by 25 seconds. Salido boasted an impressive average speed of 45.3 km/h. Among the women, Line Ostergaard (DEN) dominated, clocking in at 31 minutes and 58 seconds, with an average speed of 37.5 km/h, leaving Patricia Rosa (POR) behind by 56 seconds. Helen McKay grabbed third place, on a gap of 1 minute and 10 seconds.
In the Gran Fondo on Sunday, Jens Moerman (BEL) sprinted past two Portuguese riders, Tiago Galhano and Joao Jacinto, to claim victory. Lars Coppenolle, the M19-34 World Champion, led the peloton sprint of 50 riders, securing fourth place, just two minutes behind the leaders. Susana Lourenco (POR) emerged victorious in the women’s category, crossing the finish line solo with a lead of two and a half minutes over Marisa Costa (POR). Line Ostergaard (DEN), the time trial winner, secured third place overall, finishing 12 minutes behind Lourenco. Both winners boasted impressive average speeds of 39.5 km/h and 35 km/h, respectively.
