Hernández continues hot streak with Superprestigio Elorrio win

Aitor Hernández (Orbea-Ermua), who had a big upset win last Saturday at the Superprestigio Llodio, continued his streak of success with another win today at the Superprestigio Elorrio over the usually dominate Egoitz Murgoitio (Hirumet Taldea). While not being able to contend for the win today, Murgoitio still holds the lead in the Spanish Superprestigio rankings by 4 points over Hernández, 90 to 86, while Isaac Suarez (BioRacer) is in a distant 3rd with 59. There are still two races to run on the Superprestigio calendar at Itsansondo and Puente Viesgo, both in December.

On a rainy and muddy course, Murgoitio and Hernández showed themselves to be a class above the rest and quickly breaking away from the pack, with the former taking the lead for the first couple laps. On the third lap, Murgoitio suffered his first puncture and allowed the former road rider Hernández to take the lead. Despite this, the gap remained close until another puncture on the last lap dealt the hammer blow to Murgoitio, who then had to concentrate on keeping his 2nd place on a charging Isaac Suarez, who managed 3rd place. In 4th place was Cantabrian rider Constantino Zaballa, who will be making his return to the pro road peloton with Christina Watches next season, while Egoitz Murgoitio's teammate, Jonathan Lastra, had a great ride for 5th and 1st U23.

Murgoitio said to BiciCiclismo that he is "missing a spark to be at (his) best" and that he "won't make any excuses" for his performance as Hernández was riding better and deserved the win. Murgoitio will be riding the French Cup race in Besançon next week and hopes to be going better.

Results Elorrioko Udalda Saria Ziklo-Krosa (full results here):

1. Aitor Hernández (Ermua-Orbea), 54:52
2. Egoitz Murgoitio (Hirumet-Taldea), 0:39
3. Isaac Suárez (BioRacer-Caravanas Erandio), 0:47
4. Constantino Zaballa (Zugor-Bikes), 1:06
5. Jonathan Lastra (Hirumet-Taldea), 1:40 - Winner sub-23
6. Erlantz Uriarte (Ibaigane Opel), 2:06
7. José Antonio Díez Arriola (Bikezona.com), 2:44
8. Josep Betalú (GSport-Valencia Terra i Mar), 2:52
9. Mauro González (TB Transportes), 2:56
10. Jon Gómez (BioRacer-Caravanas Erandio), 2:59

Felipe Orts ousted Alex Aranburu and Eneko Corrales among the juniors, while Jon Gil once again came out tops in the cadete category. Roció Gamonal easily dispatched of Olatz Odriozola to claim yet another triumph in the elite women's race, while Alicia González did the same and extended her winning run by winning in the junior category. Desiree Duarte was crowned cadete champ. 

Photo: Iñaki Azanza