A race worthy of a World Cup, in terms of attendance, with many big names at the start. Alan Hatherly, Titouan Carod and David Valero were the protagonists of the fight for victory in the Shimano Super Cup Massi in Banyoles. As usual, Valero didn't get off to a good start, but he soon showed that he has good footing and got back to the lead of the race: keep an eye on Valero in view of the 2023 World Cup. In very active pursuit, Pierre de Froidmont (Orbea), Already 2nd at the Chelva race and surprise in this beginning of 2023.
The chasing group consisted of Luca Schwarzbauer, Pierre de Froidmont, Julian Schleb and Mathias Fluckiger, on their return to competition. A chasing group that managed, about halfway through the race, to rejoin the leading trio thus opening the race in a 7-man fight.
During the final stages, forcing by Luca Schwarzbauer who also tries to win the XCO test after winning the Short Track: the German athlete of Team Canyon is more and more a confirmation also in the XCO world, after we knew him as an explosive athlete not suitable for endurance races.
But Hatherly (Cannondale) was not surprised and, after closing the gap, he attacked winning by a few seconds over the German. Titouan Carod (BMC) finished third beating Pierre de Froidmont (Orbea) in the sprint, with David Valero (BH) closing the Top5.
ITALIANS IN THE RACE
Better than ours, Nadir Colledani in 7th position: we can say that the right leg that was there in 2021 is back. Nadir completed an excellent test with a good comeback and lapping on the times of the leaders. 22nd position for Mirko Tabacchi (RDR) while Juri Zanotti (BMC) finishes in 25th place. Luca Braidot 34th.
MEN'S ELITE RANKING
| 1 | HATHERLY Alan |  | CANNONDALE FACTORY RACING | 1:20:25 |
| 2 | SCHWARZBAUER Luke |  | CLLCTV CANYON | 1:20:31 |
| 3 | CAROD Titouan |  | TEAM BMC | 1:20:40 |
| 4 | DE FROIDMONT Pierre |  | ORBEA FACTORY TEAM | 1:20:40 |
| 5 | VALERO SERRANO David |  | BH COLOMA TEAM | 1:20:43 |
| 6 | FLÜCKIGER Mathias |  | THÖMUS MAXON | 1:20:54 |
| 7 | COLLEDANI Nadir |  | SANTA CRUZ ROCKSHOX PRO TEAM | 1:21:43 |
| 8 | SARROU Jordan | | TEAM BMC | 1:21:44 |
| 9 | SCHELB Julian | | STOP & GO MARDERABWEHR MTB TEAM | 1:21:50 |
| 10 | FROM SILVA AVANCINI Henrique |  | CALOI TEAM | 1:21:50 |
