Rojas solos to second Spanish road race title

Jose Joaquin Rojas pulls on the Spanish champion's jersey

Jose Joaquin Rojas pulls on the Spanish champion's jersey (Image credit: Movistar Team)

"Rojas has been unbeatable." With the silver medal on his chest, Ángel Vicioso (Katusha) synthesized the feeling of all the riders who took part today in the road race at the Spanish National Championship. José Joaquín Rojas (Movistar) won the race for second time in his career from a successful breakaway, defeating his companions Vicioso and Jordi Simón (Verva-ActiveJet) with a final attack with five kilometres to go.

The race was held on Cocentaina, birthplace of the mastermind behind this edition of the Spanish National Championships, Vicente Belda. Soul of the once noteworthy Kelme-Costa Blanca team, Belda was pleased to see his son David, tiny climber now riding for the Roth-Skoda team, make the main breakaway of the day.

Six riders escaped along with David Belda. The two main Spanish teams, Movistar Team and Caja Rural, put two riders each in the group: Rubén Fernández and José Herrada for the blue team, Diego Rubio and Miguel Ángel Benito for the green. Two youngsters were there as well: Basque prospect Alex Aranburu (Euskadi-Murias) and Giro finisher Cristian Rodríguez (Willier-Southeast).

The breakaway wasn't meant to succeed and was definitely doomed when Benito lost contact, therefore provoking a situation where Caja Rural wasn't even with Movistar. The Professional Continental team took the reins of the peloton and almost neutralized the group. Only Fernández and Belda attacked in two to survive ahead of the pack.

There were two laps left over a hilly course that, without big climbs, accumulated almost 600 metres of elevation gain over 32 kilometres. On the toughest part of the circuit, Mikel Landa (Sky) and Purito Rodríguez (Katusha) made a move that didn't break clear. The following attack by Jordi Simón did.

The Catalan rider, now racing for the Polish team Verva-ActiveJet, found good company for his willing to be offensive. Sergio Pardilla (Caja Rural), Rojas and Vicioso followed his wheel while he bridged across to the pair that still resisted as head of the race.

Despite some powerful attacks from the peloton, including a remarkable one with Iván García Cortina (Klein Constantia) and Luis Ángel Maté (Cofidis) and a couple of accelerations by Rubén Plaza (Orica-GreenEdge), the fight for the medals was a matter for the six-man group that had formed ahead. With 15 kilometres to go, Simón made a big attack to raise the bar and leave behind Fernández, Belda and Pardilla.

It was then when the Rojas show started. The rider from Murcia went on the offensive time and again. "I wanted to get rid of Vicioso," he asserted on the press conference. And so he did with 5 kilometres to go. "He doubted for a bit and I took the chance to beat him."

This victory is the first for Rojas this season, and the 30th for Movistar Team. "I've had a good season so far. Recently I had good performances at both Giro d'Italia and Route du Sud, so I was confident I could fight for this win," he explained. "Maybe I've shifted my role a bit the last couple of years, from sprinter to domestique, but victory isn't everything. Thanks to this new focus I've improved as a rider. Now I can win from afar and don't have to wait for the sprint anymore."

Asked about his plans for the rest of the season, Rojas explained he intended to participate on the Vuelta a España and was unsure of contesting the Qatar Worlds. "Frankly, I don't know what to expect. I didn't make the Spanish squad for Richmond last year despite of being in great shape. In fact, the Spanish coach [Javier Mínguez] has never called me nor talked to me. I don't trust him."

Full Results

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#Rider Name (Country) TeamResult
1Jose Joaquin Rojas Gil (Spa) Movistar Team4:45:22
2Angel Vicioso Arcos (Spa) Team Katusha0:00:07
3Jordi Simon Casulleras (Spa) Verva ActiveJet Pro Cycling TeamRow 2 - Cell 2
4Alejandro Valverde Belmonte (Spa) Movistar Team0:00:13
5Jesus Herrada Lopez (Spa) Movistar TeamRow 4 - Cell 2
6Vicente Garcia De Mateos Rubio (Spa) Louletano - Hospital de LouleRow 5 - Cell 2
7Carlos Barbero Cuesta (Spa) Caja Rural-Seguros RGARow 6 - Cell 2
8Francisco José Ventoso Alberdi (Spa) Movistar TeamRow 7 - Cell 2
9Luis Leon Sanchez Gil (Spa) Astana Pro TeamRow 8 - Cell 2
10Angel Madrazo Ruiz (Spa) Caja Rural-Seguros RGARow 9 - Cell 2
11Daniel Moreno Fernandez (Spa) Movistar TeamRow 10 - Cell 2
12Luis Angel Mate Mardones (Spa) Cofidis, Solutions CreditsRow 11 - Cell 2
13Oscar Pujol Munoz (Spa) Team UkyoRow 12 - Cell 2
14Benjamin Prades (Spa) Team UkyoRow 13 - Cell 2
15Garikoitz Bravo Oiarbide (Spa) Euskadi Basque Country - MuriasRow 14 - Cell 2
16Mikel Landa Meana (Spa) Team SkyRow 15 - Cell 2
17Alberto Losada Alguacil (Spa) Team KatushaRow 16 - Cell 2
18David Arroyo Duran (Spa) Caja Rural-Seguros RGARow 17 - Cell 2
19Julio Alberto Amores Palacios (Spa)Row 18 - Cell 2
20Jonathan Lastra Martinez (Spa) Caja Rural-Seguros RGARow 19 - Cell 2
21Egoitz Fernández (Spa)Row 20 - Cell 2
22Jesus Ezquerra Muela (Spa) Sporting/TaviraRow 21 - Cell 2
23Sergio Casanova (Spa)Row 22 - Cell 2
24Víctor De La Parte (Spa) CCC Sprandi PolkowiceRow 23 - Cell 2
25Mikel Bizkarra (Spa) Euskadi Basque Country - MuriasRow 24 - Cell 2
26Jesus Del Pino Corrochano (Spa) Burgos BHRow 25 - Cell 2
27Jose Antonio De Segovia Botella (Spa) Louletano - Hospital de Loule0:00:26
28Diego Rubio (Spa) Caja Rural-Seguros RGARow 27 - Cell 2
29Ruben Plaza Molina (Spa) Orica-GreenEdgeRow 28 - Cell 2
30Ivan Martinez Jimenez (Spa)0:00:30
31Imanol Erviti (Spa) Movistar TeamRow 30 - Cell 2
32Victor Etxebarria Carrasco (Spa) Radio Popular - BoavistaRow 31 - Cell 2
33Ruben Fernandez (Spa) Movistar TeamRow 32 - Cell 2
34Jonathan Castroviejo Nicolas (Spa) Movistar TeamRow 33 - Cell 2
35Mikel Iturria Segurola (Spa) Euskadi Basque Country - MuriasRow 34 - Cell 2
36Manuel Sola (Spa)0:00:35
37Joaquin Rodriguez Oliver (Spa) Team Katusha0:00:41
38Luis Mas Bonet (Spa) Caja Rural-Seguros RGARow 37 - Cell 2
39Antonio Angulo Sampedro (Spa)0:00:46
40Sergio Pardilla Bellon (Spa) Caja Rural-Seguros RGA0:00:49
41Benat Txoperena Matxikote (Spa) Euskadi Basque Country - Murias0:00:51
42David Belda Garcia (Spa) Team Roth0:00:52
43Igor Merino Cortazar (Spa) Burgos BH0:01:28
44Ivan Garcia Cortina (Spa) Klein Constantia0:01:38
45Imanol Estevez (Spa) Euskadi Basque Country - Murias0:02:48
46Eduard Prades Reverte (Spa) Caja Rural-Seguros RGA0:04:12
47Martin Lestido Rey (Spa) Tusnad Cycling Team0:08:40
48Pablo Torres Muino (Spa) Burgos BHRow 47 - Cell 2
49Marcos Jurado Rodriguez (Spa)Row 48 - Cell 2
50Jon Izaguirre Insausti (Spa) Movistar TeamRow 49 - Cell 2
51Daniel Sánchez (Spa)0:11:01
52Aser Estevez Cividanes (Spa)Row 51 - Cell 2
53Pedro Merino Criado (Spa)Row 52 - Cell 2
54Sergio Pérez (Spa)0:11:03
55Jose Miralles (Spa) Tusnad Cycling Team0:11:04
56Raúl Martínez De M. (Spa)Row 55 - Cell 2
57Iker Esquibel (Spa)Row 56 - Cell 2
58Victor Martinez Garcia (Spa)Row 57 - Cell 2
59Jesús Alberto Rubio (Spa) Nasr Dubai0:11:07
60Gabriel Reguero Corral (Spa) Team Differdange - Losch0:11:15
61Alexander Unzueta (Spa)Row 60 - Cell 2
62Juan Ignacio Perez Martin (Spa) W52/FC PortoRow 61 - Cell 2
63Javier Francisco Aramendia Lorente (Spa) Caja Rural-Seguros RGARow 62 - Cell 2
64Arnau Soe Vall (Spa) Burgos BH0:11:21
65Alex Aranburu (Spa) Euskadi Basque Country - MuriasRow 64 - Cell 2
66Pedro Gregori (Spa)Row 65 - Cell 2
67Enrique Sanz (Spa) Wilier Triestina-SoutheastRow 66 - Cell 2
68Cristian Carralero (Spa) Louletano - Hospital de LouleRow 67 - Cell 2
69Carlos Jimenez Lozano (Spa) Radio Popular - BoavistaRow 68 - Cell 2
70Salvador Guardiola Tora (Spa) Team UkyoRow 69 - Cell 2
71Sergio Rodríguez (Spa)Row 70 - Cell 2
DNFJorge Arcas Pena (Spa) Movistar TeamRow 71 - Cell 2
DNFJosé Herrada Lopez (Spa) Movistar TeamRow 72 - Cell 2
DNFGorka Izaguirre Insausti (Spa) Movistar TeamRow 73 - Cell 2
DNFJavier Moreno Bazan (Spa) Movistar TeamRow 74 - Cell 2
DNFAntonio Pedrero Lopez (Spa) Movistar TeamRow 75 - Cell 2
DNFMarc Soler (Spa) Movistar TeamRow 76 - Cell 2
DNFMiguel Angel Benito Diez (Spa) Caja Rural-Seguros RGARow 77 - Cell 2
DNFPello Bilbao Lopez De Armentia (Spa) Caja Rural-Seguros RGARow 78 - Cell 2
DNFJaime Roson Garcia (Spa) Caja Rural-Seguros RGARow 79 - Cell 2
DNFHector Saez Benito (Spa) Caja Rural-Seguros RGARow 80 - Cell 2
DNFJorge Cubero Galvez (Spa) Burgos BHRow 81 - Cell 2
DNFDaniel Lopez Parada (Spa) Burgos BHRow 82 - Cell 2
DNFAlvaro Robredo Crespo (Spa) Burgos BHRow 83 - Cell 2
DNFIbai Salas (Spa) Burgos BHRow 84 - Cell 2
DNFPeio Olaberria (Spa) Euskadi Basque Country - MuriasRow 85 - Cell 2
DNFAritz Bagües (Spa) Euskadi Basque Country - MuriasRow 86 - Cell 2
DNFAdrian Gonzalez (Spa) Euskadi Basque Country - MuriasRow 87 - Cell 2
DNFEneko Lizarralde (Spa) Euskadi Basque Country - MuriasRow 88 - Cell 2
DNFAitor Gonzalez (Spa) Euskadi Basque Country - MuriasRow 89 - Cell 2
DNFGotzon Udondo (Spa) Euskadi Basque Country - MuriasRow 90 - Cell 2
DNFAntonio Piedra Perez (Spa) Funvic Soul Cycles - CarrefourRow 91 - Cell 2
DNFPablo Urtasun Perez (Spa) Funvic Soul Cycles - CarrefourRow 92 - Cell 2
DNFRafael Valls Ferri (Spa) Lotto SoudalRow 93 - Cell 2
DNFJesus Hernandez Blazquez (Spa) Tinkoff TeamRow 94 - Cell 2
DNFCristian Rodriguez Martin (Spa) Wilier Triestina-SoutheastRow 95 - Cell 2
DNFDaniel Gines Martin (Spa) d'Amico BottecchiaRow 96 - Cell 2
DNFAntonio Domene Soriano (Spa) Dare GobikRow 97 - Cell 2
DNFJuan Jesus Martinez Antolin (Spa) Dare GobikRow 98 - Cell 2
DNFJavier Valero Amat (Spa) Dare GobikRow 99 - Cell 2
DNFJosé Alberto Marquez Moreno (Spa) GM Europa OviniRow 100 - Cell 2
DNFRafael Marquez Raigon (Spa) Inteja-MMR Dominican Cycling TeamRow 101 - Cell 2
DNFIsrael Nuno Arguelles (Spa) Inteja-MMR Dominican Cycling TeamRow 102 - Cell 2
DNFJoaquin Sobrino Martinez (Spa) Inteja-MMR Dominican Cycling TeamRow 103 - Cell 2
DNFRicardo Garcia Ambroa (Spa) Kinan Cycling TeamRow 104 - Cell 2
DNFMarcos Garcia (Spa) Kinan Cycling TeamRow 105 - Cell 2
DNFEnric Mas Nicolau (Spa) Klein ConstantiaRow 106 - Cell 2
DNFRuben Caseny Catala (Spa) Massi - Kuwait Cycling ProjectRow 107 - Cell 2
DNFAxel Costa Soria (Spa) Massi - Kuwait Cycling ProjectRow 108 - Cell 2
DNFMarc Vilanova Marsa (Spa) Massi - Kuwait Cycling ProjectRow 109 - Cell 2
DNFEloy Teruel Rovira (Spa) Louletano - Hospital de LouleRow 110 - Cell 2
DNFPeio Goikoetxea (Spa) Manzana Postobon TeamRow 111 - Cell 2
DNFPablo Guerrero Bonilla (Spa) Radio Popular - BoavistaRow 112 - Cell 2
DNFÓscar González (Spa) Sporting/TaviraRow 113 - Cell 2
DNFSebastia Mascaro Rigo (Spa) Tusnad Cycling TeamRow 114 - Cell 2
DNFRodrigo Lorente Araque (Spa) Team UkyoRow 115 - Cell 2
DNFFrancesc Zurita (Spa) Team VorarlbergRow 116 - Cell 2
DNFArtur Martí (Spa)Row 117 - Cell 2
DNFMario Arranz (Spa)Row 118 - Cell 2
DNFDaniel Estévez (Spa)Row 119 - Cell 2
DNFLlorenç García (Spa)Row 120 - Cell 2
DNFIllart Zuazubiskar Gallastegi (Spa)Row 121 - Cell 2
DNFGonzalo Andrés (Spa)Row 122 - Cell 2
DNFJesús Montero (Spa)Row 123 - Cell 2
DNFJosu Zabala (Spa)Row 124 - Cell 2
DNFAdrián García (Spa)Row 125 - Cell 2
DNFCristian Astals Fernandez (Spa)Row 126 - Cell 2
DNFMarc Cayuela (Spa)Row 127 - Cell 2
DNFIsmael López Valle (Spa)Row 128 - Cell 2
DNFGenís Soriano (Spa)Row 129 - Cell 2
DNFJoaquín Badia (Spa)Row 130 - Cell 2
DNFMiquel Carrió (Spa)Row 131 - Cell 2
DNFJosé Luis Cobo (Spa)Row 132 - Cell 2
DNFManuel Jiménez (Spa)Row 133 - Cell 2
DNFÓscar Panisello (Spa)Row 134 - Cell 2
DNFAdrián Merino (Spa)Row 135 - Cell 2
DNFMarcos Altur Boronat (Spa)Row 136 - Cell 2
DNFJose Manuel Cayuela Lopez (Spa)Row 137 - Cell 2
DNFFrancisco Del Rincón (Spa)Row 138 - Cell 2
DNFÓscar Hernández (Spa)Row 139 - Cell 2
DNFFernando Márquez (Spa)Row 140 - Cell 2
DNFRicardo Márquez (Spa)Row 141 - Cell 2
DNFAbraham Carneado (Spa)Row 142 - Cell 2
DNFDiego Fernández (Spa)Row 143 - Cell 2
DNFDavid Francisco Delgado (Spa)Row 144 - Cell 2
DNFMiguel Llaneza (Spa)Row 145 - Cell 2
DNFAlberto Lucas (Spa)Row 146 - Cell 2
DNFNoel Martin Infante (Spa)Row 147 - Cell 2
DNFMarcos Rojo (Spa)Row 148 - Cell 2
DNFAitor Escobar (Spa)Row 149 - Cell 2
DNFJavier Chacon (Spa)Row 150 - Cell 2
DNFÁngel Gutiérrez (Spa)Row 151 - Cell 2
DNFAngel De Julian Vazquez (Spa)Row 152 - Cell 2
DNFJosé Manuel Gutierrez Revuelta (Spa)Row 153 - Cell 2
DNFMiguel Gomez Crespo (Spa)Row 154 - Cell 2
DNFJosé Luis Mariño (Spa)Row 155 - Cell 2
DNFSergio Míguez (Spa)Row 156 - Cell 2
DNFErik Altuna (Spa)Row 157 - Cell 2
DNFIñigo Ojeda (Spa)Row 158 - Cell 2
DNFJorge Ferrer (Spa)Row 159 - Cell 2
DNFJesús Ortiz (Spa)Row 160 - Cell 2
DNFJuan Carlos Ramirez (Spa)Row 161 - Cell 2
DNFFrancisco Santana (Spa)Row 162 - Cell 2
DNFDavid Santillana (Spa)Row 163 - Cell 2
DNFEric Valiente (Spa)Row 164 - Cell 2

 

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