Cycling: Arlenis Sierra takes the podium in the Almería Classic

Arlenis Sierra He returned to the podium in road cycling. In her third foray of the season, the Cuban cyclist achieved second place in the fourth edition of the Clásica de Almería, in Spainrun this Sunday over almost 120 kilometers to the town of Tabernas.

The irregular route, which included two mountain passes, was covered by platoon in constant struggle until the decisive sprint, and in it the rider from Manzanilla excelled to guarantee a medal.

Finally it was the Italian Federica Venturelli (UAE Team ADQ) the one who took the win, close advantage and leave Arlenis in second place, leader the Movistar team in the race, review the site competition website.

Behind them, and with a similar time of 3:11.47 hours, he entered the finish line the Swiss Jasmin Liechti (Nextes)in order to complete the podium of a race marked by neutralized escapes and strategic attacks by the main groups.

The acecI enso tol Alto de Turrillas (2nd category) a few kilometers from the finish line in Tabernas, left ready for the final battle that premine the placement and power of the main candidates.

For Arlenis, enrolled in the campaign that marks her return to the roads after her motherhood, the result confirms that she continues to be one of the most dangerous cyclists in the finishes.s massive to the goal.

The new call for the Almería Classic made it clear that it would be a tough battle between Movistar and UAE team ADQ, whose payrolls included the main favorites.

Both teams worked overtime to reach the closing number of riders in a position to ensure success, which endedHe smiled at the European champion of the under-23 age category.

“The race went quite well. Better than I imagined. The climb and the finish were tough, but thanks to the team’s work we were able to fight,” declared Arlenis, according to the team’s Instagram profile.

The award-winning cyclist considered that during the final sprint she “lacked a little strength,” but declared herself “happy” with the result.or achieved.

Arlenis’ performance in his first presentations of 2026 has comptheacid to the managers from Movistar, taking into account that she is a 33-year-old rider who has been inactive since August 2024.

The gradual incorporation began to take shape on January 24, when took the positionor 28 in the general classification ofl Challengeand de Mallorcto, in Spainwhere she finished sixth in two of her three stages.

Then arrivedor the turn to the three segments of the UAE Tour Women 2026 (5-8 February), in the United Arab Emirates, in which he ranked 43rd in the ranking.

According to the team’s plans, their next stop will be in Belgium to play on February 28 the traditional Omloop het Nieuwsblad.

Arlenis thas eAmong its objectives this year is qualification for the World Road Championship, which will hostin the Canadian city of Montreal in September, and which is part of the path to the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games.