Red Bull Cerro Abajo: Juanfer Vélez crowned overall champion in Mexico
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As Rob Warner pointed out (many times), Red Bull Guanajuato Cerro Abajo just might have been one of the most insane Urban Downhill MTB races to date. Anyone with the intention to stand on the podium in Mexico had to put down an absolute heater of a run. And that is exactly what Camilo Sanchez, Jackson Goldstone & Felipe Agurto did.
A thrilling end to the inaugural Red Bull Cerro Abajo series saw Colombian rider Juanfer Vélez claim the title during an exciting day of urban downhill racing in Guanajuato, Mexico. Here is all you need to know:
– Launched earlier this year, the three-race Red Bull Cerro Abajo series saw the world’s best urban downhill riders tackle battle for victories at Red Bull Valparaíso Cerro Abajo in Chile, Red Bull Medellín Cerro Abajo in Colombia and Red Bull Guanajuato Cerro Abajo in Mexico.
– The final race of the series took place on Saturday night in Mexico and it was Colombia’s Camilo Sánchez who claimed the victory – finishing an impressive two seconds clear of rising Canadian star Jackson Goldstone. Chilean rider Felipe Agurto completed the top three, finishing three seconds off the leader.
– It was the first time that Red Bull Cerro Abajo had taken place in Mexico and the challenging 1.2km track provided a stern test as riders navigated narrow streets and stone-clad stairs. The best local rider was Nicolás Cantú, who finished in tenth place.
– While Sánchez claimed the victory in Mexico, it was Vélez who took the overall title thanks to his impressive performances in the first two races of the series. The Colombian finished second at Red Bull Valparaíso Cerro Abajo and stormed to victory on home soil at Red Bull Medellín Cerro Abajo.
– Vélez was unable to add to his points tally at Red Bull Guanajuato Cerro Abajo after a burst tyre ended his run, but his total of 119 was more than enough to claim the overall win. Sánchez claimed second with 95 points, while experienced Czech rider Tomáš Slavík took third with 78 points.
Red Bull Cerro Abajo overall standings:
1. Juanfer Vélez (COL) – 119 points
2. Camilo Sánchez (COL) – 95
3. Tomáš Slavík (CZR) – 78
4. Lucas Borba (BRA) – 70
5. Gabriel Giovannini (BRA) – 63
