The Brazilians Raiza Goulao and Gustavo Xavier De Oliveira, in the Olympic cross country category of MTB, became the first champions of the South American giant in cycling at the XII Odesur Games, which took place at the Aguavista XCO Circuit, in Encarnación, alternate venue of this sports fair.
Gustavo De Oliveira was the best with 1:29:56, and was escorted on the podium by his teammate José Gabriel Marques (1:30:29), while Colombian Fabio Castañeda finished with bronze (1:30:52). and also contributed the first medal for his country in this sport.
“I am extremely happy with this result because it has been a level competition and we were able to do the one-two”, said De Oliveira, who was one of the favorites for the crown before the initial flag was given on a track that was praised by cyclists. and trainers.
Earlier in the day, the final in the women’s branch had been played, in which Brazil reached gold and bronze, through Raiza Goulao Henrique (1:28:25) and Hercilia Ferreira (1:29:50), respectively, while with the second seat was the Argentine Agustina María Apaza (1:29:20).
“I felt strong throughout the journey and I had this gold in Asunción as my goal to start thinking about the Pan American Games in Santiago de Chile next year,” said the winner, who also had words of praise for her rivals.
This Monday the competitions of the Asunción 2022 South American Games will continue, with the time trials of the route, in which the best exponents of this area will be competing, with clear favoritism for the Colombians, who bring a winning team in several international races.