Havana Skate Marathon.

Havana, Dec 9 (JIT) -The IV edition of the Havana Skate Marathon and the third stop of the world circuit of skating marathons, World Skate Marathon Tour, ended with a colorful race along the famous Havana Malecon.

In the men's pro category, the Belgian Jason Suttles (1:11.33 hours) was awarded, in a ceremony attended by the president of Inder, Osvaldo Vento Montiller, and Roberto León Richards, head of the Cuban Olympic Committee.

The Belgian representative was escorted on the podium by Colombians Mateo Rico (1:11.34) and Carlos Tarazona (1:11.38), in that order.

"It has been a great experience to be in Cuba and to have won this phase, because I did not do well in the previous circuits of Shanghai and Pescara. This victory means a lot to me," said the winner.

Notwithstanding this result, Frenchman Nolan Beddiaff managed to take first place in the world tour, although he finished fifth in Sunday's battle.

Along with Beddiaff, Germany's Felix Rijhnen and Rico, second and third, respectively, completed the men's ranking winners.

"For me the important thing was to win the overall competition, if I could win the race that would be fine, but the goal was to bring home the green jersey," said the French skater.

"The course was quite demanding. The wind made it difficult to get a breakaway. Also, the ground is not perfect, which made it a bit complicated to try to attack. I am very happy to have lived this experience, many people came to watch the race and that is very important for our sport," said Beddiaff.

The women's version of the World Skate marathon had in the Colombian Karoll García (1:31.38.549) its undisputed queen. Spain's Aura Quintana (1.31.38.685) and Maria Jose Quiroz (1.31.38.864) completed the trio of medalists of the stop.

"I am very happy. I prepared a lot for this marathon and despite the fact that in the last few weeks I had discomfort in my adductors and it made preparation difficult, everything went well," revealed the top winner of the Havana skating marathons.

"The circuit is very hard, with a difficult terrain even though for this edition they improved it a lot, something I want to highlight is the work of the organizing committee. This marathon is more about persistence and endurance and is an event that I love," said the 22-year-old, ranked among the top 10 in the world circuit.

The global World Skate Marathon Tour crowned Gabriela Vargas from Ecuador among the women. She was followed by Lianne Van Loon and Aura, respectively.

"I was able to win the first stage and that helped me win the Tour, I am more than happy about it. I dedicate this victory to my sponsors, to my team, to my family that has supported me so much, and to my country, to tell them that once again I am making history for you", said the South American rider in tears.

In other results of the final day, the Colombian María Camila Vargas and Noa Jickell deserved the awards given to the youth stars and the best clubs participating in the tour were also awarded.

Sunday's marathon also brought the national skating team the pleasant news that its two main long-distance runners, David Quintero and Dayán Millán, who took part in the third stop of the planetary circuit, together with four other national runners, finished in 10th and 11th place, in that order.