MotoGP stars used a cycling race in Andorra to get in the mood for Silverstone

The MotoGP riders used the summer break to go on holiday or to keep fit with training sessions on motocross bikes, road bikes or road cycling bikes. This week marks the start of the second half of the season – the British Grand Prix takes place at Silverstone from 7 to 9 August.

Before the riders get back on their MotoGP machines, some of them put their fitness to the test at a cycle race in Andorra. World Championship leader Jorge Martin (Aprilia), Pedro Acosta (KTM), Alex Rins (Yamaha) and Honda test rider Aleix Espargaro took part in the legendary one-day race ‘La Purito’ in the Pyrenees on 2 August.

According to the organisers, the race is “the most beautiful, entertaining and toughest cycle tour in Europe”. As in previous years, there were three routes to choose from, each with a different level of difficulty, to appeal to as wide an audience as possible. The most challenging route was 116 km long and took riders over six mountain passes. Participants had to tackle 4,200 metres of elevation gain.

Jorge Martin, Aleix Espargaro und Alex Rins mit weiteren Teilnehmern

Foto: La Purito

Pedro Acosta: “Brutal!”

The MotoGP stars were really put through their paces during the gruelling race – but afterwards they were happy and satisfied. Pedro Acosta wrote on his Instagram channel: “Brutal! Ready for Silverstone.” Jorge Martin said: “Unforgettable as always! Great lads! Now it’s back to work.” Martin has already taken part in the famous hill climb several times.

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The cycle race is named after Joaquin Rodriguez Oliver. The Spanish road cyclist, nicknamed ‘Purito’, enjoyed many successes as a professional between 2001 and 2016. These include several stage wins at the Tour de France, the Giro d’Italia and the Vuelta a España. He was number one in the UCI world rankings in 2010, 2012 and 2013.

Jorge Martin

Foto: La Purito