Voted Best
ISSUE NO. 1738
25 - 31 October 2018
Newspaper in Spain 2017 & 2018
COSTA DE ALMERÍA YOUR PAPER, YOUR VOICE, YOUR OPINION
Desert challenge shows off Almeria ENTHUSIASTIC sportsmen and women braved last Saturday’s unsettled weather to take part in The Desert race, one of the most demanding events of its kind in the country. The second edition of this ultra-endurance challenge attracted 5,300 competitors. Setting off from Almeria City, cyclists completed a gruelling 100-kilometre route and walkers 70 kilometres through spectacular landscapes, including the Alhamilla and Gádor mountains, before crossing the finishing line in Roquetas de Mar. The event was organized by the Alfonso XIII Legion Brigade in collaboration with the provincial government and the councils of the seven municipalities the race went through. It is one of four similar challenges the Legion organises on Spanish territory, the goal of which is to promote sport and a healthy lifestyle under the slogan ‘The Legion and desert unite us.’ Almeria City mayor Ramón Fernandez-Pacheco underlined the benefits of the challenge to the local economy, commenting “This race represents that emotional link which Almerians have with the Legion, with our
ENTHUSIASTIC: Keen competitors set off on The Desert ultra-endurance challenge. base, because The Desert is a weekend which leaves many positive things for Almeria and Almerians.” Sports Councillor Juanjo Segura echoed the mayor’s sentiments, saying, “We have to thank the Legion for the opportunity The Desert means for promoting Almeria within the sphere of sport tourism. Many people come from elsewhere, who are going to stay overnight in America, who are going to eat and buy in our establishments.” Provincial government
Vice-President Javier Aureliano García was also among the dignitaries seeing the competitors off at the starting line. “Without the Legion this would not be possible and the province of Almería will always feel indebted to them”, he said. “It is very lucky for us, and not all provinces have the luck of having our uniqueness. It is precisely due to that that the race is held here, which is a presentation card for what we are working on, pairing up tourism with sport. It is a
Rail setback
THE Almeria Railway Defence Board has reacted angrily to news of a possible delay in the arrival of an AVE high-speed rail service to the provincial capital until 2025, describing it as a ‘new blow.’ Referring to a Public Works Ministry internal report, the public platform said
the view that putting back the completion date of a high-speed connection by two years could be necessary due to reasons of capacity at the Puerta de Atocha and Chamartín stations in
showcase for what Almeria means both at national and international level.” The day before the race the Parque de las Almadrabillas in Almeria City centre was the venue for the first Mini-Desert, 400 under-16s taking part in the non-competitive races, which raised money for the URA Clan Foundation for the integration of children with a disability. There was also the opportunity to try the best of the province’s produce at the parallel Flavours of Almeria fair.
Madrid was difficult to believe. It said the news was like a slap in the face to Almeria society, tired of promises about the arrival date of a high-speed train service, and which has been waiting for seven years for works on the infrastructure project to resume.
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