Oier Lazkano, the 'Wild Colt', exhibits his brutal power in the classic sea of olive trees

The Majestic Colt of the Spanish platoon showcases its might amidst the sea of ancient olive trees. Oier Lazkano (Movistar), the reigning Spanish road champion, dethrones Tadej Pogacar in the Jaén Paraíso Interior race, a test that has earned a prominent place on the international calendar due to its captivating route featuring challenging gravel sections, known as the dreaded sterrato. The sensational cyclist from Vitoria claims the coveted victory and the golden olive.

Lazkano, a towering figure of about 1.90 meters with muscular legs, engages in a fierce battle against a platoon consisting of illustrious contenders. The 24-year-old from Vitoria initiates a breakaway 90 kilometers away from the finish line, a daring move that perseveres until the race concludes in Úbeda. This triumph adds to the young prodigy’s impressive record, having secured the Spanish long-distance road championship and a stage win in the Vuelta a Burgos last year. In 2022, Lazkano also triumphed in a stage of the Tour of Wallonia and attained second place in the Spanish time trial championship for the past two editions.

On this day, Lazkano claims the spotlight as the highly anticipated season premiere unfolds for two rising Spanish gems. Juan Ayuso and Carlos Rodríguez, both aiming for definitive consolidation in the esteemed ranks of the UCI ranking, embark on their respective journeys in an intriguing setting unfamiliar to them, captivating both the spectators and fellow riders. Despite being a relatively new addition to the cycling calendar, with only three editions thus far, the Jaén classic proudly boasts a lineage of champion riders. Prior to Lazkano, Tadej Pogacar and Alexey Lutsenko had showcased their superiority in this event.

The curtain rises on the new cycling season with an exquisite event featuring renowned cyclists such as the phenomenal Wout van Aert, the two-time runner-up Tim Wellens, the Vuelta a España winner Sepp Kuss, and former world champion Michal Kwiatkowski.

The 158-kilometer route, originally planned from Baeza to Úbeda, undergoes modifications due to recent rainfall. Four of the eight gravel sections are removed due to muddy conditions that hinder the progress of the riders. However, this alteration does little to dampen the spectacle of a race that boasts captivating elements, including challenging climbs, thrilling descents, treacherous potholes, and steep slopes that allow the most skillful riders to shine. Oier Lakcano (Movistar), Igor Arrieta (UAE), Jefferson Cepeda (Caja Rural), and Nicolas Prodhomme (Ag2R) detach themselves from the peloton with over 90 kilometers remaining in the race.

With 50 kilometers remaining, the race shatters when Van Aert endures a mechanical breakdown, prompting Carlos Rodríguez’s Ineos team to lead the chase and reduce the gap with the escapees, who possess a three-minute advantage. Van Aert exerts immense effort to rejoin the main group but ultimately fails.

Lazkano, donning his Spanish champion jersey, unleashes his power on the formidable inclines. His surging pace fractures the small group of escapees, and only Prodhomme manages to maintain the Spaniard’s intensity. Meanwhile, the UAE team intensifies their pace to prevent Van Aert from bridging the gap. A nerve-racking day unfolds for the Belgian, who succumbs to misfortune amidst the sea of olive trees. Ayuso, ever-present at the forefront, acts as a loyal support for Wellens.

Lazkano cements his victory by asserting his dominance in the final 16 kilometers, particularly in the last stretch of dirt known as Virgen de la Salud. In response to a counterattack by Prodhomme, the Spaniard executes a splendid acceleration, leaving his opponents behind. He manages to maintain his lead despite the valiant efforts of the Frenchman Bastien Tronchon (second), the Slovenian Jan Tratnik (third), Kuss, and Wellens. All hail the triumphant Wild Colt.

When asked about his feelings, Lazkano admits, “Fatigued. The race was fragmented into several groups, with splits in the peloton. It was a grueling battle throughout the day. Nevertheless, I am satisfied. This is my first victory of the year, and winning is always gratifying. As I mentioned after my victory in Burgos last year, winning in Spain while wearing the champion’s jersey holds a special significance.” These were the words of the Movistar rider before ascending the podium.

“I am immensely proud of the months of hard work, and I am delighted that it has borne fruit. During the final 15 kilometers, when I was riding solo, there wasn’t much room for contemplation. At 190 heartbeats, it becomes impossible to think clearly; it’s pure agony. Someday, I hope to achieve an easier victory (smiles), but winning is never simple,” concludes the victorious golden olive.