Another of the team's new faces, Greta Seiwald from South Tyrol, will also seek glory in Italy
A month and a half from the kick-off, scheduled for Saturday 18 March at the Pineta Sperane XCO in San Zeno di Montagna, the starting field for the first stage of the Internazionali d'Italia Series 2023 is starting to take shape. For the second consecutive edition, the Verona event will open the calendar of the most important Italian Cross Country MTB circuit, with organization entrusted to CM Outdoor Events, the company managing the challenge. An ideal event, for its technical proposal and position on the calendar, to get your legs going after the winter preparation.
Among the international reference teams that will take part in Pineta Sperane XCO there will be Team Rockrider. The transalpine team supported by the giant Decathlon will present itself at the start of the men's and women's Open races with all the staff available, starting with the new designated leader Maxime Marotte and Greta Seiwald from South Tyrol, both from Team Santa Cruz.
“I took part in the San Zeno race last year too. Being the first time for this race, we found a fairly soft ground: this time it will certainly be more marked and compact, so I expect a fast and fun race,” explained Marotte. – “It's a route I like, with technical passages both uphill and downhill. The single track sections do not leave much room for strategy, the values in the field are destined to emerge from the very first laps. Over the years with Santa Cruz and Cannondale I have raced very often in the Internazionali d'Italia Series races: it's a very well organized circuit, I'm always happy to come back here.”
In addition to Marotte and Seiwald, the team led by Stephan Tempier will be able to count on Joshua Dubau, the younger Mathis Azzaro and three other girls of proven international level, the Belgian champion Emeline Detilleux, the American champion Savilia Blunk and the very young Olivia Onesti, one of the emerging talents of French Cross Country.
“For me it is always a pleasure to return to Italy and in particular to the Internazionali d'Italia Series,” said Tempier. The two-time winner of the Italian circuit ended his racing career in 2022 right in the Rockrider Team, before taking on the role of Team Manager. – “The races on this circuit are among the most technical at an international level. Last year I took part in the San Zeno race: it's a new, technical and completely natural route. I expect a good race, tight from start to finish, as often happens at the Internazionali d'Italia Series”.
