NOEL MEGA WINS THE BENABARRE BTT CHRONO

Noel Mega secured victory in the 17th Benabarre-El Coll Time Trial. The demanding course, with over 600 meters of accumulated elevation gain, started from the starting ramp at the Benabarre sports center. Excellent weather, but a course with abundant loose dirt and gravel, forced the bikers to give their all. Of the 75 registered participants, only Noel Mega came close to breaking the 30-minute barrier, a mark that had been lowered in previous editions, but under very different conditions, especially regarding the state of the terrain. The first rider, Carlos López (Master 60), set off at 9:30 a.m., and the other participants departed every minute. The last to start was the winner of this unique mountain bike race, different from others in its format and style.

Rubén Martínez and Alfredo Laguarta (Master 30) completed the rest of the overall time trial podium, finishing second and third respectively, both under 31 minutes. Jorge Baja and Narciso Barranco (Master 40) also deserve mention for their strong performances, finishing fourth and fifth with very similar times. Óscar Puyuelo secured sixth place, earning him points and a sufficient lead to win the Ribagorza Grand Prix. In the women's race, Lilian Soriano took the victory with an excellent time, followed by Maje Rodríguez and Vanesa Francisco, who also won the Ribagorza Club Trophy in this event, as did Jorge Torres in the men's category.

Salvador Fernández (master 50) and Ramón Mora (master 60) emerged victorious in their categories, as did José Manuel Pesqué (children), Joaquín Bellera (cadet), Daniel Aguilera (junior), Andrés Aguilar (elite) and Andrés Bellera (under 23).

9th Ribagorza Region MTB Circuit

Meanwhile, after tallying all the points earned in each of the Ribagorza events of the 9th Circuit (Serraduy, Secastilla, Castigaleu, Benasque, and Benabarre) in each category, the top three finishers received a trophy and a selection of longaniza sausage. The Ribagorza Grand Prix went to Óscar Puyuelo, who, despite not winning any of the races, was the most consistent in each of the five he competed in. In the women's category, there was a tie between Lilian Soriano and Maje Rodríguez, both with 40 points, but Rodríguez's participation in more races gave her the Grand Prix.

The Gold Biker award went to Jorge Bajá, who achieved four victories in his category and a second place, so his final 49 points made him the winner of this very special award, which rewards the loyalty and performance of the riders, each in their category.

The Ribagorza Club Trophy of the IX Circuit went to Francisco Paúl and Adriana Badel, both from CC Graus, which has brought a lot of color and participation to the circuit.

Carlos López (Master 60), originally from Binéfar and now living in Sabadell, was honored along with his wife by the organizers. The recognition was given both for his outstanding career and to encourage this tireless rider to continue mountain biking during a difficult time for him and his family. He is undoubtedly an inspiration to us all.

José Franch (president of the Ribagorza region), Alfredo Sancho, Vicente Prior, and Enrique Marqués (mayor and councilors of Benabarre, respectively) presented the trophies and gifts. Afterwards, the Benabarre town council invited all participants and their companions to a communal meal.

The president of the Ribagorza region gave a positive assessment of the 9th Mountain Bike Circuit, stating that “despite the budget cuts and other measures, we will try to maintain these kinds of events, as they bring life to our towns and villages and are a great way to raise our profile. I also want to thank all the town councils, associations, volunteers, and collaborators for their involvement, which is fundamental to this circuit celebrating its tenth anniversary next year—a real success for a circuit that is a benchmark in Aragon.”

Organized by the sports service of the Ribagorza region and each of the town councils and associations where the different events have been held, the event has had the collaboration of Civil Protection, the Civil Guard, the Red Cross and Ciclos Salamero (technical assistance), as well as several commercial firms that have contributed gifts for the participants, in different raffles and prizes.