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Diari de Catalunya

Elite Cyclists Dominate Ascent Records in Els Àngels and Vall del Llémena

International professionals like Mads Würtz Schmidt and Brandon McNulty lead the most demanding segments in the Girona region.

Generic image of a road bicycle wheel on a mountain climb.
IA

Generic image of a road bicycle wheel on a mountain climb.

The climbs of Els Àngels and Vall del Llémena have become benchmarks for elite cyclists, with international figures setting records on the most popular segments in the Girona region.

The popular bicycle climb to Els Àngels, a classic for cycling enthusiasts, sees its records dominated by top-tier professionals. According to the Strava app rankings, established international peloton cyclists such as Brandon McNulty, Dorian Godon, and Mads Würtz Schmidt are at the forefront, confirming the popularity and high level of this ascent.
On the section from the Bicentury factory to the Creu, near the sanctuary of Els Àngels, Danish cyclist Mads Würtz Schmidt holds the best time with 17:42. This former professional rider, now associated with the Specialized Off-Road Team, was an U23 World Time Trial Champion and has notable victories in the Tirreno-Adriatico and the Tour of Denmark.
Just behind him, American Brandon McNulty, from UAE Team Emirates, clocks in at 18:36. McNulty is a prominent figure in current world cycling, with triumphs in the Grand Prix Cycliste de Montréal, the Tour of Poland, the Tour of Croatia, and the Volta a la Comunitat Valenciana. Also featured are Danish rider Albert Withen Philipsen (18:50), a young talent from Lidl-Trek, and French cyclist Mathis Guay (18:51), involved in competitive cycling.
Australian Freddy Ovett (18:57) and New Zealander James Fouché (19:06) are also among the top times. Another significant name is French rider Dorian Godon (19:06), currently with INEOS Grenadiers, a classics specialist with victories in races like Brabantse Pijl and Coppa Bernocchi, in addition to two stages in the Volta a Catalunya.
This presence of international names underscores the importance of the Els Àngels climb as a reference point for high-level cyclists. Girona and its surrounding comarques have established themselves as a global epicenter for professional and amateur cycling, attracting many riders for training camps and sessions.
Another key location in the Girona comarques is the Serres road, in the Vall del Llémena. Here, young American Viggo Moore leads the standings with 10:38. Other notable names include former professional Chad Haga (10:41), Tejay van Garderen (10:56), Dorian Godon (11:05), Ethan Hayter (11:10), Magnus Sheffield (11:11), and Paul Double (11:12), all recognized figures in the international peloton.

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