Madrazo closer than ever
25 July 2013

Prueba Villafranca - Ordizia

Eritrea's Teklehaimanot (OGE) beats Spaniard from Movistar Team, strongest man in Ordizia with his solo attack into final climb of Abaltzisketa; Jesús Herrada 5th in first outing with red-yellow jersey

Hit by endless injuries during the last two years, Ángel Madrazo has come just two seconds short for a well-deserved maiden win in the pro scene. The ‘Sparrow’ was the most solid rider from Movistar Team in the 90th edition of the Prueba Villafranca – Clásica de Ordizia, held on Thursday in Gipuzkoa over a traditional 165km route including five climbs towards Abaltzisketa and two passages of the Altzo hill into the final circuit.

The ending loop saw a 13-rider breakaway coming ahead, with two Blue riders: Eloy Teruel, who jumped into the penultimate lap alongside Illart Zuazubiskar (EUK), and Pablo Lastras, chased down with less than 20k remaining while digging with Jens Keukeleire (OGE) and Jean-Marc Bideau (BSE). Twenty-five riders -including Madrazo, José Herrada, Intxausti and Spanish road champion Jesús Herrada- started the final Abaltzisketa ascent in the lead. Madrazo attacked strong and reached the top with a handful of seconds over an eight-man pursuit including the youngest of the Herradas.

The lack of cooperation into the main group -joining Madrazo into the descent- allowed for an attack by Daniel Teklehaimanot (OGE), pursued in a furious attempt into the final kilometer by Ángel, who could only take 2nd -with Herrada in 5th.- The good image from Chente García Acosta’s squad took them to the day’s podium as winning team.