This weekend were also held in San Joao de Madeira the Portuguese Championships of 20km, also open to foreign athletes.
20km men
The key of the race was the battle between Joao Viera (POR) and Damian Blocki (POR)
All athletes start rather slowly except Damian Blocki who immediately imposed his own pace in the lead.
After a few kilometers Joao Viera realized that the race took an unusual bend and left the group to go to catch the Pole.
In the group of pursuers I have thus remained Pedro Isidro, Miguel Carvalho and Miguel Rodriguez (U23) as well as some other athlete.
In the final of the race Joao Viera argues his experience in addition to the difference of personal best and wins in 1.23:44.
Second place (out of Portugal Championships) for Damian Blocki (POR) in 1:24:44 who obtain with this performance the new personal best (1:26:06 previous established in Zaniemsyl, POL on April 5, 2014).
Tight battle for third and fourth place, representing the silver and bronze medal in the Portuguese Championship.
Third place to Miguel Carvalho (POR) in 1:28:06
Fourth place to Pedro Isidro (POR) in 1:28:35
20km women
Immediately go to lead from the first kilometers (about 4:47) Ana Cabecinha (POR) and Ines Henriques (POR).
The two athletes earn a fair margin on Kristina Saltanovic (LTU) and U23 Mara Ribeiro.
The Cabecinha-Henriques pair remains together for most of the race even chatting: looks more like a training.
The fragrance of the title is being felt in the final race and the athlete coached by Paulo Murta force the pace and went on to win in 1:32:14.
Fourteen seconds later comes Ines Henriques (1:32:28).
Kristina Saltanovic (LTU) is third in 1:36:21. Is the fifth Portuguese title for her.
Fourth is Mara Ribeiro (POR) in 1:37:33 who win in the category U23
Other results
U23 women - 20km: victory, as told, to Mara Ribeiro (POR) in 1:37:33
U23 men - 20km: victory to Miguel Rodriguez (POR) in 1:29:51
U20 women - 10km: victory to Carolina (POR) in 51:20
U20 men - 10km: victory to Rodrigo Marques (POR) in 45:25
U18 boys - 10km: victory to Daniel Gouveia (POR) in 48:32
U18 girls - 5 km: victory to Angela Carvalho (POR) in 26:22
Statistical note: 192 athletes participated in this Championship; 59 were coming from Clubs of Algarve (more than 30%).
(photos by Facebook of Ana Cabecinha, Ines Henriques and Vera Santos - POR)