I reached Enrico Martello by phone, the driving force behind the La Thuile bike project, responsible for training the Lapierre team, and a consultant for XC courses. He has a clear vision of mountain biking and a solid set of skills.
Under his leadership, La Thuile has become a place with a distinct identity from the very beginning, constantly strengthening both its trails and events. The introduction of the nighttime enduro stage has paved a path that many will want to follow.
Hi Enrico, how do you rate the season that just ended?
It was a very positive year: growing numbers, great chemistry with the riders, and a global event that will be talked about for a long time.
Let's start with the World Cup: where did the idea of a night-time PS come from?
It was an idea we'd had for a while. In the past, we'd been advised against it, but this year was the right time. It exceeded expectations: an event within an event that won everyone over.
And for next year?
As per tradition, we'll be going big: we'll be the first location to host four global events starting from the same square. A complex but exciting experience to organize.
Does the conformation of the valley help you in this?
Absolutely. Starting and finishing in the heart of the country facilitates logistics and allows for greater visibility for a discipline like enduro, which is often difficult to follow.
Speaking of enduro: do we need a new format for the future?
Enduro is perfect for describing a place and its trails, but it's true that it needs to be rethought. Just as XC and DH have evolved, enduro and marathon also need to make a leap forward.
Perhaps with the "General States of Discipline" to find a new common direction.
How much do events impact tourism promotion?
They're essential. There's a tourism trend that revolves around the "sea and mountains" combination: many foreigners combine La Thuile with Finale Ligure, creating six-day packages between the two destinations precisely because of the World Cup's popularity.
What type of rider chooses La Thuile?
Those who come to us are looking for technical and challenging trails. They know they'll find terrain to test their physical and riding skills. Every time we rethink a trail, we try to consider our identity and our audience. Without distorting ourselves, but rather improving our offering.
As an experienced trail builder, how do you see the evolution of MTB?
The average technical level has risen significantly, also thanks to MTB schools that work with children as they do with skiing.
Today, riders are more aware and demand well-maintained trails. Maintenance and quality are key: rock gardens and roots are fine, but no broken banks and braking bumps. Resorts that neglect this aspect are losing their appeal, and once their image is tarnished, it's harder to regain credibility.
Many extend the season: you
It's the right direction. Modern bikers ride year-round, so mid-mountain resorts are wise to plan longer seasons. It's more complicated for us because of the altitude and the glaciers. Snow arrives early, and by October the ground is often frozen, making the experience even more challenging. riding too extreme even for our standards.
Conclusion
A constantly growing resort, with a clear identity, capable of combining technicality, challenge, and numbers: this is La Thuile according to Enrico Martello.
