David Belda, ex–professional with Fuerteventura Canarias, has won yesterday's 37th edition of the Memorial Valenciaga. This race is considered one of the most important amateur races in Spain. It was won by riders who went on to become professionals in the following season, like once Julian Górospe, Óscar Freire, Unai Osa or Dioni Galparsoro.
David Belda, the son of Vicente Belda, sports director of the team Fuerteventura Canarias, had become professional in this team in 2007. The 25 year-old did not find another team when Fuerteventura Canarias stopped its operation as a Continental team at the end of 2007, and so finally he followed his father to the amateur team of Fuerteventura Canarias.
After having won the Klasika Aiztondo, he also raised his hands in celebration after the 163.2 kilometers of the Memorial Valenciaga, disputed in Eibar. He formed part of a breakaway group with several others, including Andrey Amador, who was one of the favourites to victory. Amador already has a pro contract with Caisse d'Epargne for next season.
200 metres before the finish, Belda accelerated and Amador was not able to follow him. According to Gara, Belda was overhappy to have won "the best race of Spain, we all want to win it. I always liked to participate in it." Now, David Belda hopes that "this race helps me to return to the pros. I had already an oral promise of one team, but in the end, it didn't work. But this is my life, it's what I like to do and I have to try it," commented Belda.
