Ronda al Pais Mexicano: Mexico City 109.1 Kms
And the 2012 edition of the Ronda al Pais Mexicano has finished. A final circuit around Mexico City on the day of the Mexican people's independence rounded out the two week race.
Androni's Robero Ferrari won the final stage which finished in front of the National Palace where the celebrations from last night occurred, and that still had a great crowd that lined up at the barriers to catch the riders passing by.
A breakway wasn't likely to escape today, but that didn't stop several riders from trying their luck. As always from the beginning the Mexican riders broke away to hear the cheers from the crowd cheering them on as they represented their country. It was a far better race for the Mexicans this year as they walk away with two stage wins from Jose Ramon Aguirre and the Olympian Hector Hugo Rangel, as well as wearing the white jersey.
A new champion was then crowned. Jakob Fuglsang is the winner of the 2012 Ronda al Pais Mexicano. Defending champion Michael Rogers was unable to repeat his win from last last year, but said that the fatigue of working all year for Bradley Wiggins caught up with him as well as the lack of flat time trialing kilometers were a major factor in him not being able to defend his title. Last year there were over 75 kilometers of time trialing which Rogers used to his advantage to win the race. This year there was only one flat time trial and the other one was a climbing one which is where he lost some major time and the hopes of at least finishing on the podium.
With the festivities still going on, Radioshack had a great race and will have lots to celebrate tonight.
Stage Results
1. Roberto Ferrari
Androni Giocattoli-Venezuela
2. Hector Hugo Rangel
Seleccion de Mexico
3. Heinrich Haussler
Garmin-Sharp
4. Ken Hanson
Team Optum p/b Kelly Benefit Strategies
5. Brad Huff
Jelly Belly
6. Jeffry Romero
Colombia-Coldeportes
7. Boy Van Poppel
UnitedHealthcare
8. Ramon Carretero
Movistar
9. Anibal Borrajo
Jamis-Sutter Home
10. Chris Sutton
Team Sky
Final GC
1. Jakob Fuglsang Radioshack-Nissan
2. Francisco Mancebo Competitive Cyclist
3. Franco Pellizotti Androni Giocattoli-Venezuela
4. Jose Serpa Androni Giocattoli-Venezuela
5. Rory Sutherland UnitedHealthcare
6. Wilco Kelderman Rabobank
7. Peter Stetina Garmin-Sharp
8. Rafael Infantino EPM-UNE
9. Michael Rogers Team Sky
10. Paolo Tiralongo Astana
Overall Leader Jakob Fuglsang
Overall Points Leader Roberto Ferrari
Overall King of the Mountains Francisco Mancebo
Overall Best Young Rider Wilco Kelderman
Overall Most Aggressive Rider Mauricio Ortega