The event, which took place from Thursday to Saturday, was described as a “resounding success” by Gabriel Aguilera, Vice-Rector for Sustainability, Health, and Sports at the University of Almería (UAL). Participants praised the organization, the technical challenge of the courses, and the stunning natural landscapes of Almería province, including Calar Alto and Las Menas de Serón.
The Complutense University of Madrid dominated the competition, securing the university title, followed by the Polytechnic University of Catalonia and the Autonomous University of Barcelona. The UAL achieved a respectable sixteenth place, underscoring the high competitive level displayed over the three days of events.
“"They have competed brilliantly, but they have also done so from the values of sport, sharing a wonderful atmosphere of coexistence, of which they can feel very proud."
In the individual categories, Complutense also performed exceptionally well. In the women's Long Distance, Nerea González (Complutense) took first place, while in the men's, Issac Hernández (UCAM) was the winner. In Middle Distance, María Bermejo (Rey Juan Carlos) and Álvaro Pérez (Complutense) secured the top spots in their respective categories. The Sprint event, held in Tíjola's urban core, saw Mónica de Miguel (Polytechnic University of Madrid) and Pablo Ferrando (Complutense) emerge as the fastest.
The championship was not only a high-level sporting event but also a communal experience, with activities planned for all participants. The involvement of the Tíjola City Council and its residents, including the participation of schoolchildren in the Sprint, contributed to the event's success. The top six male and female qualifiers will represent Spain at the University World Championship to be held this summer in Vila Real, Portugal.
