The day in Rio Maior was quite varied passing from the sun to covered with a temperature never exceeded 21° C, but with a very high humidity.
Needless to hide behind a finger, but never like this year the hopes of a Portuguese victory in the women's race are very high.
Already during the presentation we said that two of the main contenders for victory were Ana Cabecinha and Ines Henriques.
The younger of the two, coached by Paulo Murta, should have some more opportunity, at least at the personal best level, but on the second we like to recall that today would be her day, whatever happens.
In fact Ines Henriques is one of those athletes who do not "save" in the race.
When and where is a race she compete.
In the latest edition of the race in Sesto San Giovanni in Italy, at the press conference she was very surprised not to see her Italian colleagues and to a specific question by the journalis interviewer replied that she had competed fifteen days before in Rio Maior, she compete in Sesto the day of her birthday, but she would also race a fortnight later in La Coruna.
Ines Henriques this year, from January 15 this up to date has already competed in:
- Porto de Mos in 50km where she set the world record of women (4:08:26)
- Sao Joao de Madeira in the 20km (second behind Ana Cabecinha in 1:32:28)
- Ciudad Juarez (MEX) on March 13 still in the 20km (always behind Ana Cabecinha fourth in 1:32:34)
- Monterrey (MEX) on March 19 always in 20km (second behind Erica de Sena, but finally in front of the rival Ana Cabecinha, in 1:33:21)
A course of 110km raced in two and a half months. With the addition of today's race should become 130km.
Of course also Ana Cabecinha has not been spared, but the Porto de Mos 50km made the difference.
But there is another reason why today we are fans for a good result for Ines Henriques.
If the athlete Rio Maior completes today's 20km (she started 5 times more: 2 DNF e 3 DQ) in a time less than 1:40:00 today's race represent for her the hundredth 20km completed in less than 1:40:00.
Needless to say that today will be cheering everyone on the path to Ines.
Today we are all Ines Henriques!
Ines Henriques in Porto de Mos