Alleman triumphs in a dizzying Costa Blanca, and Valero debuts in the XCM world with a podium finish

The first race of the HERO UCI Cross-country Marathon World Cup in Costa Blanca confirmed what was already anticipated beforehand: an extremely high pace and a battle among the top marathon specialists. Over the 82 kilometers and 2,700 meters of elevation between Calpe and Benissa, the men's race was fast from the start and ended in a true chase.

Alleman triumphs in a dizzying Costa Blanca, and Valero debuts in the XCM world with a podium finish

A large group rode at the front for a good part of the course, setting a very demanding pace in the early climbs. The selection was progressive until halfway through the race when Wout Alleman (Buff BH) launched the decisive move and was left completely alone at the front.

Behind him, European champion Andreas Seewald tried to sustain the chase, but he was already over a minute behind. About two minutes back was David Valero (Klimatiza Orbea), who had clearly gone from less to more after a more conservative first part.

The final five kilometers were a true chase. Seewald tried to close the gap, and Valero maintained the pressure from behind, but the Belgian's lead was sufficient. Without being able to relax at any moment, Alleman crossed the finish line in 3:41:44, maintaining over a minute on Seewald and 1:46 on Valero.

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For the Granadan, this third place in his first participation in the XCM World Cup represents an important confirmation. After his victory weeks ago in the Mediterranean Epic, the shift in focus towards the marathon seems to be a wise bet and opens a very promising perspective for national XCM in 2026.

Top 10 – Elite Men

1. Wout Alleman (BEL) – 3:41:44
2. Andreas Seewald (GER) – +1:05
3. David Valero Serrano (ESP) – +1:46
4. Krzysztof Lukasik (POL) – +4:03
5. Lukas Baum (GER) – +4:13
6. Eskil Evensen-Lie (NOR) – +4:46
7. Nicolas Samparisi (ITA) – +6:09
8. Georg Egger (GER) – +6:10
9. Martin Stosek (CZE) – +6:18
10. Stefano Goria (ITA) – +6:20

The women's race is still ongoing.