Many roosters in the yard and only one could climb to the top of the podium of the decline of Sant Andreu. The stakes were very open. There were doubts to know what would be the performance of last year's winner, David Vazquez (MSC), which would be the response of the great Cedric Gracia with its new brand (Santa Cruz) and new team (FCO Team), about the way come members of the team XMS Devinci (local Pasqual Canals, Antonio Ferreiro and new signing this season, Arnau Sugrañés), and the speed they were capable of claiming both team riders Massi, Ivan Oulego and, above all, Bernat Guàrdia. Berni -the best spanish downhill last season- never won so far in elite category in Sant Andreu. The circuit was more aligned than ever to its technical characteristics as the new variants pilot did more technical and less physical and doubt was whether Berni maintain the high level of form that showed last season. Doubt has begun to resolve quickly, very quickly, because Guardia Open champion and the championship of Spain has flown over the circuit from the first moment of her competition.

Incontestable victory of Bernat Guàrdia

In the first set has taken just over two seconds to Antonio Ferreiro (XMS Devinci), but in the second race, the decisive, Berni was exceeded by almost four seconds to Fabien Barel (Subaru Mondraker), the only down to has been able to lose a minute and fifty seconds. So, the Massi was joined on the podium Barel, who resists his victory, but he loves this track, and Sugrañés Arnau, who could not have a better debut with his new team, beating large entity rivals such as Ivan Oulego, Cedric Gracia and Pasqual Canals.

Bernat Guardia: "had long sought this victory"

Just after crossing the finish line, and with bated breath for the great effort made, these were the first statements of the great champion today in Sant Andreu: "I am very happy. This was the first competition of the season and was not sure how I would go, but this winter I trained very hard and has left a great time. I'm very happy because this is my first win in elite in this race. Today I have flown. I dedicate the victory to Lluís Oluego, our team manager. I knew that the two new variants benefit me, since that would make the circuit more technical, not so hard physically, and the result has been a great time. He had many years looking for this victory, and could have no better start to the season to win today in Sant Andreu".

Along with win Bernat Guardia, the other winners in other categories in contention were: Iraitz Etxebarria (Scott) in sub-23, Mario Pérez (CC Cycles AB Castelló) in junior, Jorge Garcia (-) in cadet, Manel Arasa (5 Seconds) in Masters 30, Carles Barcons (MSC Bikes) in Masters 40, Eugenio de la Fuente (-) in rigid, Ferran Jorba (Moto Club Sant Andreu) in children and Silvia Montes (OM Bikes) in females.

 

Final standings DH Sant Andreu de la Barca

1.Bernat Guàrdia (Massi)                                 1:52.512       1:48.980       1:48.908
2.Fabien Barel (Subaru Mondraker)                   1:55.037       1:52.466       1:52.466
3.Arnau Sugrañés (XMS Devinci)                      1:56.490       1:53.291       1:53.291
4.Aurelien Giordanengo (Subaru Mondraker)        1:54.476       1:53.303       1:53.303
5.Iván Oulego (Massi)                                     1:56.787       1:53.309       1:53.309
6.Cedric Gracia (Santacruz)                             1:55.343       1:53.434       1:53.434
7.David Vázquez (MSC Bikes)                           1:54.814       1:53.550       1:53.550
8.Pasqual Canals (XMS Devinci)                        1:57.631       1:54.175       1:54.175
9.Antonio Ferreiro (XMS Devinci)                      1:54.227       2:08.267       1:54.227
10.Iraitz Etxebarria (Scott)                              5:45.606       1:58.440       1:58.440




source: press release