Omar Fraile Wins Maiden Spanish Road Race Championship Title
Omar Fraile continued Astana – Premier Tech’s dominance at the Spanish national championships, claiming the road race title with an impressive performance and a great display of teamwork, with Alex Aranburu rounding out the podium in third place.
Fraile inherits the jersey from teammate Luis Leon Sanchez in what was an emotional moment for the Basque rider, who secured his first national championship and first win since his Tour de France stage win in 2018.
In an interview after the race, Fraile expressed his excitement and gratitude for his victory: “I was anxious to raise my arms again. When I crossed the line I didn’t believe it. It had been a long time since I had that special feeling and I did not believe it. That is why I was excited…Now I will start the Tour de France with special motivation and a lot of confidence.”
Astana – Premier Tech took control of the race and helped bring the breakaway back approaching the final 40 kilometers. Attack after attack played out in the last hour of racing with the race lead constantly changing. In the end, the groups came back together with 12 kilometers remaining, at which point Astana – Premier Tech had strong representation with Fraile, Sanchez, Ion Izagirre, and Aranburu all there.
Under the flamme rouge, Sanchez put the pressure on, and as he peeled off with 500 meters to go, Fraile hit the front. Fraile started his sprint immediately and showed phenomenal strength to not only hold the lead but establish a gap with 150 meters to go. The Basque rider had enough time to look over his shoulder, sit up, and raise his arms in triumph as he took the victory ahead of Jesus Herrada and Aranburu, who sprinted to third place.
Fraile’s win secures a Spanish championship double for Astana – Premier Tech after Izagirre took the honors in the time trial for the second time in his career.
Top 3: 1. Omar Fraile, 2. Jesus Herrada (Cofidis, Solutions Credits), 3. Alex Aranburu
[Photo: RFEClismo]
(Source: [Astana – Premier Tech](https://www.astana-qazaqstan.com/2021/06/))
