The Giro d'Italia – Ride like a pro ended this Sunday, July 30, with the cycling race that, for the second consecutive year, was held in the Capital of the Center of the World, the first city in Latin America to host this international event. Those registered for the 46 km, 85 km and elite, 140 km categories, gathered very early outside the Quito Metropolitan Convention Center (CCMQ), on Amazonas Avenue to leave at 06:00. Minutes before the start, Pabel Muñoz, mayor of Quito, and the Colombian cyclist, winner of the Giro d'Italia and the Vuelta a España, Nairo Quintana, shared a message of encouragement and encouragement to the participants. The Argentine rapporteur and athlete Mario Sábato was also present there.
Upon his arrival at Parque Bicentenario, Pabel Muñoz recalled the importance of cycling as a sports activity, mobility, to maintain a healthy life through exercise, and other attributes. "As long as the city can move, can pedal, run, trek, while the city plays sports, Quito is reborn," she said. The cycling route took the riders to the Middle of the World monument and, depending on the length of the circuit, several advanced to the historic center and part of the south of the capital. In the case of elite cyclists, their route was longer, reaching the parish of Alangasí (Valle de los Chillos), to begin their return to the urban area of the city.
Upon arrival at the finish line, the cyclists received their medals, food and drinks to recover energy, and short sessions of body massages. The athletes recovered their strength and enjoyed a space for entertainment in special areas within the ExpoVillage. Awards The organizers awarded the prizes to the winners of the different categories: Elite cyclists (140 km), the winner in women was Marcela Peñafiel, with a time of 4 hours 25 minutes; in men, first place was taken by Juan Carlos Córdova, with a time of 3 hours 38 minutes and in the Hand Bikes category the winner was Sebastián Carrasco with 3 hours 11 minutes.
During the three days of the event, the public was able to enjoy gastronomy, entertainment, fun and the presentation of artistic groups such as The Mash and La Máquina Camaleón; It was also attended by the Argentine DJ and musician, Zeta Bosio, former bassist of Soda Stereo. The Giro d'Italia – Ride like next to the ExpoVillage ends after three days of event in which, in addition to cycling, citizens were able to enjoy gastronomy, fun and entertainment, activities that represent a positive impact for the city's economy and its promotion of Quito as a venue for high-impact events and a tourist destination.