Kenda Cup celebrates 10th edition with big party in Ouro Fino (MG)

From Bikemagazine
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The city of Ouro Fino, in the south of Minas Gerais, hosted the tenth edition in the history of the Kenda Cup on the 4th 4th 5th of May. The day before the race, activities such as the Absolute Kids Race, photo and autograph sessions with cyclists from Squadra Oggi – Raiza Goulão and José Gabriel Marques, athletes competing for a place in the next Olympics, and Du Marcondes – and musical shows set the tone of the first day.

Sunday was full of action for cyclists who took over the trails and dirt roads in the Ouro Fino region, passing through iconic points such as Pedra do Itaguaçu, Floresta Escura, Taboão, among other places.

In the main race of the Kenda Cup, the Pro category, two renowned cyclists in Brazilian cycling climbed to the highest places on the podium after cycling more than 50 km, with 1,500 m of altitude: Pedro Hilo (2h03min45), just 5 seconds ahead of runner-up, Rafael Pinheiro, and Raiza Goulão (2h23min19), who surpassed the current season leader, Raphaella Pelaquim (2h37min18).

“A very special weekend in Ouro Fino, participating in the Kenda Cup. I was able to actively participate in the event on both days. On Saturday I was at a photo and autograph session, as well as cycling with the kids in the kids race. On Sunday I started to have fun on the Pro route, renewing my energy to travel to my next commitments in May, the Pan-American MTB Championship, in the USA, and the World Cup stage in the Czech Republic”, reported Raiza.

Squadra Oggi with Du Marcondes, José Gabriel and Raiza Goulão – Photo by Gabriela Almeida

In Sport, the fastest were Lucas Andrade (1h33min26) and Livia Poltronieri (2h02min25). In Light, the first to cross the finish line were Fábio Renato da Silva (1h19min09) and Thais Caroline dos Santos (1h39min).

“After holding both stages of the World Cup in Brazil, we were inspired to deliver a top-notch event for our competitors. We feel, in a certain way, an obligation to do something well for mountain biking. And it was the most beautiful thing. A structure that is rare to see in cycling events in the country: stage, lights, bands. Complete food court, infinite parking for everyone, and the various actions we have such as Algoo Lava Bike and Bike Park, Absolute Warm Up (warm-up area), Kenda Recovery (recovery space) and Kenda Pit Stop, in addition to Race Support from Park Tool, with dynamic service and specific repairs”, said Nathan Morais, organizer of the Kenda Cup.

“The route was impeccable, just right. In terms of hardness, technique. In the balance between dirt roads and trails. Everyone was very happy to participate. Raiza, in addition to competing on Sunday, was the godmother of the Absolute Kids Race on Saturday and did the complete lap accompanying the little cyclists. It was really cool to see the public’s affection for her and for Zé Gabriel and Du Marcondes, her teammates from the Squadra Oggi team. It was also really cool to see the Golden Arena, with its 35 thousand square meters, packed on the day of the race. Full pockets for Pro, Sport and Light starts. It gives me goosebumps just remembering it”, concluded Nathan.

Next step
After passing through Socorro (SP) in March and Ouro Fino (MG) now in May, the Kenda Cup returns to the State of São Paulo, for its third stage. It will be the municipality of Espírito Santo do Pinhal that will be responsible for hosting the penultimate race of the circuit, on July 7th. Registration will soon be open, also on the TI Online website.