More than 1,300 athletes took part in the first marathon of the season for the World Skate Marathon Tour in one of China’s most dynamic cities. The wide streets of Shanghai, the towering buildings and the spectators lining the course, even in the early morning, provided the perfect backdrop to kick off this new season on wheels. The temperature was chilly and the wind added an extra challenge.
A total of 14 Pro Teams lined up at the start, evenly split between men’s and women’s teams. The start of the race was the usual calm before the storm, a moment filled with tension and nerves as everyone waited for the signal.
Once the race was underway, the first 10 km circuit saw a few early breakaway attempts in the men’s race, but none were successful. Pelotons remained compact with teams carefully observing each other and choosing their strategies. The field featured some new faces, especially from South America and Asia, adding to the excitement.
Pro men top five
1. Felix Rijhnen (Ger), 2. Juan Mantilla (Col), 3. Jolio Mirena (Par), 4. Nolan Beddiaf (Fra), 5. Mateo Rico Garcia (Col)
Women’s race:
In the women’s race, it was here that two athletes seized the opportunity during a moment of chaos to break away: 17-year-old Valentina Cano, Simmons Rana and Maria Jose Quiroz, Powerslide Vesmaco. Working together, they managed to build a successful lead.
Behind them, the chasing group kept a steady pace, almost as if unaware of the breakaway.
The race concluded with a relatively controlled sprint with Valentina Cano of Team Simmons Rana crossing the finish line first, followed closely by Maria Jose Quiroz of Team Powerslide Vesmaco.
Pro women to five
1. Valentina Cano (Col), Maria Jose Quiroz (Col), 3. Yi Hsuan Liu (Tpe), 4. Gabriela Vargas (ECU), 5. Luz Karime Garzon (Col)
Future Stars Top 5 men
1. Pablo Felipe Marin (Col), 2. Jian Pool Ramirez (Col) 3.Manuel Taibo (Esp), 4. Tomas Vergara (Col), 5. Arthur Lebeaupin (Fra).
In the final metres, Felix Rijhnen of Powerslide Vesmaco launched his sprint from about 300 metres out.
No one could overtake him, securing him the victory in the Pro Men’s category with great emotion. Just behind him Juan Mantilla of Arena Geisingen Ka-Li Skate Team and Julio Mirena of SheaStokes Inline Speed.
Future Stars top 5 women
1. Valentina Cano (Col), 2. Laura Perdomo (col), Maria Vargas (Col), 4. Chiao-Jung Lee (Tpe), 5. Luna Vargas (Col)
