More than 1,300 athletes took part in the first marathon of the season for the World Skate Marathon Tour in one of China’s most dynamic cities. The wide streets of Shanghai, the towering buildings, and the spectators lining the course, even in the early morning, provided the perfect backdrop to kick off this new season on wheels. The temperature was chilly, and the wind added an extra challenge.
A total of 14 Pro Teams lined up at the start, evenly split between men’s and women’s teams. The start of the race was the usual calm before the storm, a moment filled with tension and nerves as everyone waited for the signal.
Once the race was underway, the first 10 km circuit saw a few early breakaway attempts in the men’s race, but none were successful. Pelotons remained compact, with teams carefully observing each other and choosing their strategies. The field featured some new faces, especially from South America and Asia, adding to the excitement.
After the first 10 km, the race moved on to a 5.4 km circuit, which they had to complete six times.
In the women race, it was here that two athletes seized the opportunity during a moment of chaos to break away: 17-year-old Valentina Cano, Simmons Rana, and Maria Jose Quiroz, Powerslide Vesmaco. Working together, they managed to build a successful lead.
Behind them, the chasing group kept a steady pace, almost as if unaware of the breakaway. The race concluded with a relatively controlled sprint, with Valentina Cano of Team Simmons Rana crossing the finish line first, followed closely by Maria Jose Quiroz of Team Powerslide Vesmaco.
About four minutes later, the main group arrived for a sprint finish. The Arena Geisingen Ka-Li Skate Team executed a strong lead-out, with Yi Hsuan Liu powering through to take third place, celebrating with arms raised as she crossed the line.
The men’s race ended in a heart-pounding sprint. While a few breakaways seemed promising, they were ultimately reeled back in by the main group.
In the final meters, Felix Rijhnen of Powerslide Vesmaco launched his sprint from about 300 meters out. No one could overtake him, securing him the victory in the Pro Men’s category with great emotion. Just behind him Juan Mantilla of Arena Geisingen Ka-Li Skate Team and Julio Mirena of SheaStokes Inline Speed.
With a total prize purse of $80,000, split equally between men and women, the Shanghai stage of the WSMT delivered an electrifying start to the season, setting the tone for the races to come.
And here’s the results of the stage:
PRO MEN:
1) Felix Rijhnen – Powerslide Vesmaco
2) Juan Mantilla – Arena Geisingen Ka-Li Skate Team
3) Julio Mirena – SheaStokes Inline Speed
PRO WOMEN:
1) Valentina Cano – Simmons Rana World Team
2) Maria Jose Quiroz – Powerslide Vesmaco
3) Yi Hsuan Liu – Arena Geisingen Ka-Li Skate Team
FUTURE STARS WOMEN:
Valentina Cano – Simmons Rana World Team
FUTURE STARS MEN:
Pablo Felipe Marin – MST Takino World Team
MOST COMBATIVE SKATER WOMEN:
Valentina Cano – Simmons Rana World Team
MOST COMBATIVE SKATER MEN:
Kevin Lenis – Arena Geisingen Ka-Li Skate Team
PRO TEAM RANKING:
- Arena Geisingen Ka-Li Skate Team – 1455pts
- Powerslide Vesmaco – 1453pts
- SheaStokes Inline Speed – 1436pts
Download all the RESULTS HERE