Pinto and Ferreira win final stage and Brasil Ride overall

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The third edition of the Brasil Ride came to an end on Saturday in Mucugê, after seven days of riding in Chapada Diamantina, Brasil. Luis Leão Pinto and Tiago Ferreira of Portugal (Team Lapierre) won the overall in a time of 23 hours, 24 minutes and 58 seconds. Czechs Tomas Vokrouhlik and Martin Horak finished second while Brailizans Josemberg "Montoya" Pinho and Gilberto Gois were third.

"It's good to finish. It's great to win this competition. It was a phenomenal experience," said Pinto, 32. "My ultimate goal is the world championships. I knew that by doing this race I could be risking my best performance at marathon Worlds. But I had to come to Brazil, to meet old friends and to feel the warmth of the Brazilian people that always makes me feel at home."

"It's a dream come true, winning a race alongside Luis. It was quite an effort over those seven days," said Ferreira.

In the mixed category, Mateus Ferraz and Ivone Kraft (RC Bikes / Brasil Soul) dominated the race.

"It's unbelievable to win again. It's amazing, I love it. The competition was very difficult. But I had so much fun riding with Mateus, he is great," said Kraft.

Abrão Azevedo e Paulo Borges (RC Bikes / Brasil Soul) won the masters category. "This year I think the teams were well prepared. The competition was tough, we maintained consistency. And the event was very cool, because we know people from other countries, Germany, Austria, South Africa and Chile. It is the third time we won and the second win for my partner, Paulo Borges. In 2013, we will be back for sure," said Azevedo.

Among the women, the pre-race favorites took the title. "It was a pleasure to compete with Dani. This year was awesome, we were super partners. And Brasil Ride is a race to manage. In the early days we tried to get a big gap and then maintain it, "said two-time champion Adriana Nascimento, who competed alongside Daniela Genovesi.

Josemberg Pinho "Montoya" and Gilberto Gois (Trust Bikes / JC Bikes ) proved themselves as the best Brasilian team. "We are proud to be third place overall. It's not easy to get in the top five in the Brasil Ride. It is very difficult. We worked hard, trained very hard for this race and, thank God, everything went well. During the seven days we tried to stay calm," said Montoya.

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