Four international race walkers born in Rio
Maior won medals in the 23th Rio Maior International Race Walking Grand Prix.
Vera Santos took the women’s title for a second time, four years after her
first triump while Inês Henriques finished third a long way ahead of Spanish
duo Maria Jose Poves and Ainhoa Pinedo. Erica De Sena came through to take
second place, beating the Brazilian record she set two years ago in Rio Maior. After passing through the half-way mark, 2005
world bronze medallist Susana Feitor dropped out, followed by national record-holder
Ana Cabecinha.
Portugal’s two-time European bronze medallist
Joao Vieira, winner in Rio Maior last year, was seeking a second consecutive
victory here.
He battled until the final lap, but despite his
best efforts could not hold off Brazil’s Caio Bonfim, who came through to win,
five seconds ahead of João Vieira.
Vieira’s twin brother Sergio Vieira finished
third in 1:24:15.
“I’m very happy with this win,” said Bonfim,
the reigning South American champion. “I’ve come to Rio Maior several times for
training. It’s a great place for training and I’m trying to convince the
Brazilian federation to send their athletes to train in Portugal, specifically
at the Rio Maior Sports Centre.”
On Saturday April 5th, the competition took
place on the main streets of the city, once again with many athletes and a
great public supporting the race walkers.
Throughout the day the World Health Day was
held in the City Garden providing sports and leisure activities which had a
great public participation.
This event was organized by the Municipality of
Rio Maior, the Rio Maior Sports Centre and the Rio Maior Swimming Club, with
the support from many other international and national companies.
More information on the official event website
in www.gpmarchariomaior.desmor.pt
(From IAAF Website)