David Valero wins the first stage and leads the Brasil Ride 2025

The Spanish David Valero (BH Coloma Team) has won the opening stage of the Brasil Ride Bahia 2025 (October 18-25), one of the most prestigious ultramarathons on the international calendar. The race started this Sunday, October 19 in Arraial D'Ajuda, and Valero took the victory in a sprint after completing the 60 kilometers and 801 meters of positive elevation in a time of 1h56'49''.

David Valero starts with victory in the first stage of the Brasil Ride 2025

The rider from Granada narrowly beat local Gustavo Xavier, who crossed the finish line in less than two seconds, while Portuguese Tiago Ferreira (Vouzela-BH-TF), three-time winner of the Brasil Ride, completed the podium just 2 and a half seconds behind.

The Spanish rider arrived at this XCM race after announcing just a few weeks ago his definitive goodbye to the XCO World Cup. This could be the first race of a new sporting stage focused on long distances and other modalities, such as gravel.

"It was a day full of tension, I didn't know what to expect. I am happy with the victory and even more so for being here at the Brasil Ride, participating and enjoying this ultramarathon. I have already raced World Cups and Olympic Games, but this was a race I was really looking forward to," explained Valero after putting on the leader's jersey.

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Brazilian Gustavo Xavier highlighted the high pace of the first day, with many singletrack sections and an intense battle at the front from the start.

"The first day always has a very high intensity, we are all fresh and with very high averages. I took a risk at the front, attacked, and managed to open a gap. The three of us arrived at the sprint and I am very happy with the second place and having obtained the white leader's jersey of the Americas," Xavier explained.

Portuguese Tiago Ferreira emphasized the explosive nature of the stage and the good condition of the terrain, which allowed for a fast pace:

"Unlike last year, the dry weather made the race much faster. David set a very high pace from the start. In the second half, we selected the group and ended up playing for the victory among the three of us. It was a spectacular first day."

Karen Olímpio starts leading among women

In the elite women's category, Brazilian Karen Olímpio (Soul Extreme Race) took the victory with a time of 2h23'41'', ahead of Colombian Mónica Calderón (+1'08'') and Italian Costanza Fasolis (Cannondale ISB Sport) (+2'46'').

"I am very happy with this first overall victory. Last year I arrived more tired due to my XCO schedule, but this time I came with better preparation. The stage was fast, I attacked on the first climb and maintained the difference until the end. I start on the right foot," commented the Brazilian rider, who will wear the orange leader's jersey tomorrow.

The Brasil Ride Bahia 2025 will continue on Monday with the second stage, one of the longest and most demanding of the week, with 127 km and 1,938 meters of positive elevation. It will be a key day to consolidate the classifications and test the endurance of the favorites in this seven-day ultramarathon that brings together some of the best bikers in the world.