In a spectacular sprint Cesar Sanabria, (Multimarcas – Fina Arroz – Capital District) defeated Clever Martínez (Team Carabobo) and Jimmi Briceño (Bolivarian Government of Trujillo – Orbea) in the first stage of the Vuelta Ciclista a Venezuela 2023.
Sanabria, a rider from Nirgua, Yaracuy state, made the spectators who witnessed the competition on Libertador Avenue in Barquisimeto vibrate with excitement.
At 10 in the morning the test began, the 60 participants traveled the first 9 kilometers of the scheduled 120 (20 laps of the circuit) calmly; The first blow was given by the oriental, Héctor “Chaurant” González (Fundación José Prada – Crown King – Bicicletas Miura – INDES), taking about 8 seconds to the lot, but only one kilometer lasted the insurrection.
Before the first Bonifiable sprint, the Apureño, Jhon Navas (Bolivarian Government of Trujillo – Orbea), left the lot, passing first in the first partial emotion of the test, second, Luis Gómez (Multimarcas – Fina Arroz – Capital District), third, Angelvis Arroyo (Banco Plaza – Mutraining).
After kilometer 6, 7 runners left the group, Manuel el “Gato” Medina (Bandes – La Guaira Governorate), Andrew Troconi (Team Carabobo), David Mendoza (Banco Plaza – Mutraining), Yilber Ramírez (Osorio Group – Lotería del Táchira – 9 Vit), Cesar Sanabria (Multibrands – Fina Arroz – Capital District), Juan Ruiz (Bolivarian Government of Trujillo – Orbea), Yuisnert Rondón (Venezuela National Team).
The escape was reduced to three at the time of the second Points Sprint at kilometer 8, first, Andrew Troconi (Team Carabobo), second, David Mendoza (Banco Plaza – Mutraining), third, Manuel el “Gato” Medina (Bandes – Government from La Guaira), the difference regarding the lot, 1 minute, 12 seconds. At kilometer 63 the hunt was presented and tranquility arrived in the lot.
At kilometer 65, 17 cyclists left the lot, the differences beginning to increase as the kilometers passed; At the passage of the third Bonus Sprint the difference was 1 minute, 20 seconds, Jimmi Briceño (Bolivarian Government of Trujillo – Orbea) passed first, second, Gregory Guevara (Bandes – Government of La Guaira), third, Cesar Sanabria (Multimarcas – Fina Rice – Capital District). Arlex Méndez (Osorio Group – Lotería del Táchira – 9 Vit) suffered a puncture in the front wheel, leaving 16th at the top.
Jimmi Briceño (Bolivarian Government of Trujillo – Orbea) won the fourth Sprint at kilometer 96, completing the podium, Isaac Yaguaro (BKC – Venezuela Paìs de Futuro – Aragua) and Gregory Guevara (Bandes – La Guaira Governorate).
The stage was set to decide between the escapees, sensationally obtaining the victory, Cesar Sanabria, second, Clever Martínez, third, Jimmi Briceño, all with a time of 2 hours, 48 minutes, 45 seconds for the 120 kilometers of the stage, average of speed, 48 kilometers per hour.
Source: Agencia Prensa Latina