Source: press release
A domination that lasted all season, culminating in the victory in the final stage. Superenduro Powered By SRAM 2014 closed just as it had begun, with the domination of Marco Milivinti and Louise Paulin.
The rider of the Torpado Factory Racing team was the absolute protagonist also on the second day of competition in Sauze d'Oulx, even without winning even a special stage. The race of the Valtellinese was intelligent and constant, like a true champion, as was that of the Swedish now at home in Finale Ligure, standard bearer on Cannondale of Team Oddone Bici.
The upper Val Susa has confirmed itself as one of the most popular destinations for riding, with the Sauze and Alpi Bike Resort trails again protagonists of one of the most beautiful pages of the Superenduro. The massive use of the lifts to bring the athletes to high altitudes allowed the organizers to have eight special stages run, with an overall negative altitude difference of over 5500 metres. Seven traditional stages, plus the grand finale of the Supermountain with a brand new format, provided endless emotions. The weather then gave its fundamental contribution, offering two splendid days of blue sky.
The fight was tight, even if Milivinti's leadership was never in question. Behind the new champion, several riders alternated, but in the end the Irish Greg Callaghan (Nukeproof -Gravity BC) finished, who preceded the San Marino Nicola Casadei (Lapierre - Gravity Games), also winner of the Red Bull special. At the foot of the podium a very fast Samuel Shucksmith (Specialized - Pro Ride Guides), with Alex Lupato (Lapierre - FRM Factory Racing) completing the top five. Sixth position for the other Shucksmith, Philip (Specialized - Pro Ride Guides), ahead of Denny Lupato (Lapierre - FRM Factory Racing) and Vittorio Gambirasio (Trek - Red Bike). Ninth the Swiss Nicolas Walser (Mtb Baden), followed by an excellent Francesco Fregona (Banshee - Weekendwheels), again among the top.
Worthy of note are the many positive but unfortunate performances, starting with that of Davide Sottocornola (SantaCruz - Cicobikes Dsb), for a long time on the virtual podium but forced to retire due to a puncture. A special mention also for Marco Bugnone (Trek - Red Bike), capable of fighting in the top five after years of absence. The Turinese then retired due to a mechanical failure, but is a candidate to be one of the protagonists in the future.
The women's race, with Lousie Paulin arriving in Sauze already with the title in her pocket, saw the Swede control her opponents, led by New Zealander Gabby Molloy (GT - Rotorua mtb club), the only one able to worry Paulin. However, a crash made her lose precious seconds and Gabby had to settle for second place, ahead of the English Katy Winton (Pivot - Morvelo Enduro). First of the Italians Laura Rossin (Devinci - Dream Team), followed by Valentina Macheda (Ibis - Life Cycle).
The Superenduro Powered By SRAM set another milestone in its history, successfully experimenting with the new Supermountain format that closed the race. The competitors started in order of classification, separated by the actual gaps. Exciting the succession of departures from Rocce Nere, with the riders waiting to leave that encouraged friends and teammates. Sauze d'Oulx has therefore experienced another historical moment, as already happened in the previous six editions of the SuperSauze.
The Superenduro Powered By SRAM does not stop and next weekend will return with the Experience circuit in Palazzuolo sul Senio (FI), before the seasonal closure of 26 October in the new location of Portofino - Santa Margherita Ligure, a location that will also host the award ceremony of the PRO circuit. All without forgetting the Enduro World Series Grand Final on October 4-5 in Finale Ligure!
