Basque classic Zegama-Aizkorri is always special and there were two more remarkable stories to add to the race’s rich history on Sunday.
Local favourite Sara Alonso, from San Sebastián, produced a brilliant performance to win the women’s race.
And Morocco’s Elhousine Elazzaoui, runner up the previous two years, achieved a huge ambition when stamping his class all over the men’s race.
‘A dream to earn the txapela’
You can read all about both victories here and speaking afterwards, Alonso said: “Winning in Zegama for a Basque is incredible, a dream to earn the txapela.
“It’s been two tough years, I trained hard this winter. I believed in myself and went for it from kilometre one. The last few kilometres were extremely tough.”
She was pushed early on by Judith Wyder before the gap grew – and the Swiss athlete had no complaints.
She said: “I’m happy. Sara was the best. I ran my race and tried to fight. I was really struggling with back pain I’ve had for the past three weeks, but I’m very satisfied with how I managed to finish.”
Alonso’s fellow Basque Malen Osa made many sit up and take notice with her runner-up spot last year and was on the podium again. She commented: “I’m really happy. I knew I could run a good race if I had a good day, but in the end, it’s a marathon and anything can happen.
“It’s a dream to be on the podium with them. I had several issues with cramps during the race, but I managed to push through.”
‘Historic for me’
Meanwhile, in the men’s race, it was a significant win for the reigning overall GTWS champion, Elazzaoui.
And all of the top three were delighted with their day’s work.
Elazzaoui said: “I’m very happy – this was my dream. I felt like I was in the right shape. Winning Zegama is historic for me.”
Andreu Blanes shared: “This is a success and I’m happy. It was an amazing race – I had so much fun and suffered a lot. I can only be grateful and enjoy all these emotions.”
And Italy’s Daniel Pattis added: “I was thinking that everyone here was at such a high level, and that maybe I could make the top five on a good day. But finishing on the podium? I never imagined it.”
