The ninth round of Spain's fiercely competitive national COPA race series took its toll on riders as they tackled the gruelling and undulating terrain of the Basque Country for the prestigious Memorial Valenciaga. The unforgiving 165-kilometre course, featuring no fewer than seven steep mountain passes, proved a true test of endurance, with only 81 of the 175 starters managing to complete the arduous race.
Bermudian cyclist Nicholas Narraway, representing the Tenerife–Bike Point–La Sede team, demonstrated remarkable resilience and determination. He was the sole finisher for his squad and delivered a standout performance, crossing the line in an impressive 28th place with a time of 3 hours and 56 minutes – marking his best result in a COPA race to date.
Speaking after the punishing event, Narraway reflected on his tactical approach, saying, "After last week’s race, where I made the five-man breakaway that ended up being the winning move but where I cracked with 1km to go, pace was on my mind. There was a lot of movement on the descents and climbs, and I kept getting pushed back, which meant I had to fight my way to the front each time, burning unnecessary energy. I didn’t make the front group at the end, but I’m happy with 28th. It’s my best result in a COPA race so far."
Narraway's performance in such a demanding race, where over half the peloton failed to finish, underscores his growing strength and tactical awareness within the highly competitive Spanish cycling scene. His ability to navigate the challenging Basque roads and secure a career-best COPA result will undoubtedly provide a significant boost as he continues through the season.
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