By @Sama_86
The classic Jaén Paraíso Interior takes place tomorrow, February 13, 2023 in the south of Spain (Andalusia), in the province of Jaén, the 180 km test and 2,300 meters of unevenness, in its second edition, runs through the cities of Úbeda and Baeza (World Heritage Site).
Route
The environment where the test takes place is a sea of olive groves, whose access roads become sections of authentic “sterrato” that make this test unique and value this Jaén landscape. The dirt sections alternate with asphalt to create a classic at the level of the well-known Italian races, this being the only UCI race of this style in Spain.
The start of this test will be in Úbeda, and it will have 7 gravel sections in a total of 45 km on this terrain, divided into different sections that will start the 68 km race and whose last section ends just 700 meters from the finish line, which ensures a show to the end.
119 riders will start tomorrow in Jaén, distributed among 16 teams from various World Tour, Pro Team and Continental categories. Among all those registered, the presence and debut this season of the Slovenian from the UAE, Tadej Pogačar, stands out
Favorites
Tadej Pogačar: The Slovenian will be the star at the start in Úbeda, although the young cyclist has not yet ridden this season, he was affected by gastroenteritis which left him without training for a few weeks and he has given up defending his title in the UAE Tour, which may hinting at his form, he is a clear favorite for victory.
Pavel Sivakov: The French climber already has several races in his legs this season, he climbed Mont Bouquet well on the Etoile de Bessèges and knows how to move well in one day races.
Lorenzo Rota: The Intermarché cyclist is a great classic rider and has ridden the Strade Bianche, which is an important degree of experience to move here.
Guillaume Martin: The Frenchman from Cofidis is a very versatile cyclist who can get the most out of a profile as rugged as that of this race.
Warren Barguil: Similar situation to his compatriot, the Arkea cyclist can adapt well to these short but intense efforts. The chained slopes can allow you to surprise in Jaén.
Ion Izaguirre: The Spaniard has an interesting profile and is similar to the French, he did not finish the classic cycling race in the Murcia region, so he does not have results that serve as a guide. He can take advantage of his climbing ability to toughen up the run at certain times.
Simon Clarke: The Australian always has a good first few bars of the year, this season he already has several podiums in different races. The profile is very good for him and the arrival is even better.
Marc Hirschi: The Swiss classicman is a very interesting profile for this race, he has legs to climb and has had a positive start to the season. Pogacar’s presence removes gallons and weight in the prediction but I don’t rule it out.
Other interesting names that can get a good result in this test are Matteo Trentin and Tim Wellens (UAE), Matis Louvel (Arkea), Gorka Izaquirre and Gonzalo Serrano (Movistar), Simone Velasco (Astana), Swift Connor (Ineos), Löic Vliegen (Intermarché), Andreas Kron (Lotto), Fernando Barceló (Caja Rural)
Prediction
His southern summer has allowed him to train well and he looks fit, my bet is for Simon Clarke.
Manuel S.
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