The 12th Climb to Betancuria: A Thrilling Showcase of Speed and Skills
The 12th Climb to Betancuria unfolded under a blazing sun in the beautiful island of Fuerteventura, marking yet another exhilarating episode in the Championship of Canaries Mountain (CCM). This year’s event brought together a lineup of seasoned drivers eager to push their limits on a course known for its technical challenges. Notably, Ángel Bello, at the helm of his Audi R8 LMS Ultra Evo, emerged triumphant, solidifying his position at the forefront of the championship standings.
A Day of High Stakes
As the drivers prepared for the competition, the atmosphere crackled with anticipation. The intense heat of the day added an extra layer of challenge for competitors on the winding roads of Betancuria. For Ángel Bello, the reigning champion across the Canary Islands, the stakes were high. Not only was he defending his title, but his early performance in the preliminary rounds was critical for setting the tone for the event.
José Manuel González, piloting a Porsche 991 GT3, was another driver to watch. Known for his tenacity and skill, González set the second-best time during the practice run with a solid 3:32.520, establishing himself as a formidable contender. His strategy was to fine-tune his approach on the technical course, setting himself up for success in the official heats.
The Thrill of the First Rounds
The first official climb proved thrilling as Bello demonstrated his prowess by improving his time to 3:27.909. This impressive effort held him in a provisional second place, just behind González, who surged ahead with a time of 3:25.046, managing to keep the momentum alive from his earlier practice success.
However, as competitors took on the second and final ascent, the turning point arrived. With steely determination, Bello clocked in a blistering 3:22.411, marking a significant improvement and sealing the deal for top honors. His margin of victory was more than two seconds—a testament to his skill and sustained focus in the challenging conditions.
The Rising Intensity Among Competitors
González, while unable to clinch first, still showcased remarkable skill and resilience. After doing well in the first climb, he aimed for a faster finish in the second. Although he managed to clock a respectable time of 3:24.537, it was ultimately insufficient to reclaim the lead, showcasing the tough competition between these two seasoned drivers.
The significance of González’s second-place finish cannot be overstated as it keeps him in the hunt for the championship, currently trailing by just twelve points. This race marked his fourth podium finish in five events this season, underscoring his consistency and competitiveness as the championship nears its concluding phase.
A Competitive Podium Beyond the Leaders
Completing the podium was Esteban Feo, driving a Mitsubishi Lancer EVO IX, who finished a commendable ten seconds behind the winner. The competition among lower-tier positions was equally exciting; José Fránquiz (Mitsubishi Space Star) and Gustavo Bolaños (Mitsubishi Lancer EVO VII) engaged in a nail-biting battle for fourth place, with Fránquiz emerging victorious by a mere 1.4 seconds.
Further down the leaderboard, the battle for sixth was intense as Javier Sosa (Mitsubishi Lancer EVO IX) crossed the line just 0.25 seconds ahead of Óscar Curbelo in his Renault Mégane Coupé. These nail-biting finishes added to the event’s already high-stakes atmosphere, underscoring the competitive spirit embodied by all participants.
Performance Aces in Each Category
The race wasn’t just about overall standings; it also showcased remarkable talent in different categories. Lauren García claimed victory in Category 2 with a striking time of 2:55.387, demonstrating exemplary skill. Meanwhile, Javier Rodríguez secured the top spot in Category 3, achieving a best time of 3:15.360—a fantastic feat that capped off a day full of outstanding performances.
With only two more events left on the calendar—the Climb to Los Loros in Tenerife and the Climb to La Cumbre in El Hierro—the championship battle is heating up. As competitors sharpen their strategies for these remaining challenges, the rivalry between Bello and González promises to captivate motorsport fans across the islands.
