Multivan Merida's Hermida and Näf win opening stage

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The first stage of Andalucía Bike Race finished in the military area of Cerro Murian, with José Antonio Hermida and Ralph Näf as the first leaders of Andalucía Bike Race.

After more than three hours of hard competition on a route shared with the MTB Sierra Morena Marathon, Hermida and Näf (Multivan Merida) crossed the finish line followed by Ruben Ruzafa and Iñaki Lejarreta (Orbea). Kristian Hynek and Pavel Boudny, riding for the Czech Ceska Sporitelna Specialized team, finished third.

Spaniards occupied the next two positions: Alejandro Díaz de la Peña and Luis Leao Pinto (Hispano-Luso) were fourth and the Macías brothers (Sportbici-Rotor-San Bartolomé team) were fifth.

In the women's category, Kristine Nørgaard and Sally Bingham had the honor of putting on the leaders' jersey after the first stage. Americans Jenny Smith and Kathy Sherwin were second, with Sandra Santanyes and Isabel Castro in third position.

On the first stage, participants enjoyed views of Córdoba city and the Sierra Morena Mountains.

"The first stage was so much fun. Ralph and I enjoyed a lot!" said Hermida after the finish.

Hermidas compatriot Sandra Santanyes also enjoyed the stage and said, "Physically, I felt very strong on this first quite technical stage".

In the masters category, Mads Boedker and Henrik Cohen (Danish Masters team) claimed the victory, while in mixed category, Cait Elliot and Josh Ibbet (Torq Performance MTB Team) assumed the lead.

Tomorrow's stage 2 will start at the Córdoba Ayre Hotel and pass through the Medina Azahara Ruins and the western part of the province. Racers will go by landmarks such as Guadamellato Canal, Puerto Artafi and the Bejarano waterfall. Temperatures are expected to be 16 degrees Celsius and partly cloudy.

Full Results