A splendid sunny weekend welcomed Lerici's debut in the national enduro scene with an exciting race. Marcello Pesenti wins his first Superenduro, while Laura Rossin confirms once again the fastest on the circuit.
The competition ground
Lerici he couldn't have a better debut, ed enters by right between several Ligurian localities of level to visit by mountain bike. He made his debut in the National Enduro scene with an exceptional race: hard fought, spectacular and well organized. As if that were not enough it is found , also of one of the most sought after and deserved victories ever and we are talking about that of Marcello Pesenti, finally on the top step of the podium at a Superenduro after 5 seasons.
Perhaps thanks to the fact that the paths of Lerici were little known for many competitors, each of the riders had to find the best interpretation to be fast and efficient in the race. Narrow passages in dense vegetation, many pedaling relaunches and a typically Ligurian background that forced an often physical drive.
Once off the trails, the scent of the sea, the sun and finally summer temperatures (never prohibitive) have literally embraced the beautiful paddock area overlooking the small port of Lerici. This third appointment of the season, strongly desired by the local organizers of Lerici Bike and by 'municipal administration, was in effect a surprise, and allowed us once again to discover a new corner of Italy, this time a pearl in the Gulf of La Spezia that we are sure we will hear about again.
The Competition
The Lerici race saw the riders compete with very insidious specials. Numerous punctures and various mechanical failures, especially the transmission, which is very stressed here. Those who have been on the special stages today saw or rather felt the stress to which these components were subjected, with continuous changes under stress and blows from the rocks. The race, despite the short length of the stages, required a lot of physical and mental energy. It is always difficult to get the right focus and pace in a short time.
Finding the best combination in the Men's Open it was Marcello Pesenti (Team Marchisio Bici) who finally, as he himself declares, managed to conquer this “blessed victory” he had been looking for for a long time. Immediately behind him Mirco Vendemmia (CMC Cycling Experience), ever faster and more convincing, with whom Marcello started a great duel on the edge of seconds. Third closes the winner of the previous race in Punta Ala, Nicola Casadei (Mr. Lupo Asd). The battle immediately off the podium was also exciting, with 5 riders (Denny Lupato, Matteo Berta, Erwin Ronzon, Tobia Poloni and Simone Martinelli) enclosed in just 5 seconds.
In Women's Open it was the domain of Laura Rossin (Soul Cycles Racing) winner of all the special stages including the last Urban Lerici Castle with the long final straight. In second position Francesca Bonanni (Vertical Bike), while third closes Irene Savelli slowed down by some mechanical failure (DSB Comes Fristads).
Among Men amateurs the first three made the difference by detaching the pursuers. The fastest was Davide Carissimi (Bikappa Bikes) who finished with a time of 20:39 min, followed at 7 sec by Alessio Vercelli (Team Locca) who beats Marco Orsenigo (Asd Husqvarna Ridewill) by only 57 cents.
Francesca Lucchini, Francesca Pioli and Rachele Riolfo are respectively first second and third in the Female amateurs.
Among young people PhD Students wins Francesco Braconi (Arezzo Cycling School), second comes Ippolito Federico, followed just 10 tenths by Giovanni Valenti. It should be noted that Francesco's time in PS4, of 2:34 min, would have earned him a top 15 among the agonists and this must be extremely stimulating for a student. The same goes for Sophie Riva (Ancillotti Factory), winner of the Women's Youth, who with a time of 2:57 in PS4 would have placed second behind Rossin. Among Debutant wins Filippo Amerio.
In the race E bike the local Andrea Garibbo (Haibike Factory Team Italia) wins in front of Folchi Mattia and Bonarotti Alessandro team mates B-Garage Mgo Deaneasy. Andrea really went like a missile on the home trails, managing to take full advantage of the engine power in the relaunches and driving clean and fast downhill.
Among Teams Team Ancillotti wins again, Team Fristads is second and Team Cicobikes is third.
With today's victory Marcello Pesenti also takes the leadership of the Championship, with a Nicola Casadei just a few points away. At this point the Superenduro 2019 Champion Title will be played at Abetone, in an all-alpine race where for the first time in the season the lifts will be used both in practice and in the race.
The statements
Marcello Pesenti "It started as one of my usual races with normal performances, then I recovered and with Mirco Vendemmia there was a good fight. At the start of Special 5, however, I was determined to win and I gave it my all. I'm very happy".
Laura Rossin "I immediately felt at ease here, I find many similarities with the trails where I train in the Finale area. I never pulled too hard, never made big mistakes and it went well. Now Canazei, Abetone and then a bit of sea in anticipation of the grand finale".
