Philip Fontana (CS Carabinieri Olympia Cycles) signs a prestigious victory in the first stage of the Internazionali d'Italia Series, winning on the muddy course of Pineta Sperane.
Source: press release
The Venetian preceded the French Luke Martin (Cannondale Factory Racing) to Yuri Zanotti (Wilier Vittoria Factory Team), author of a solid performance.
My race didn't start in the best way: in the launch lap I broke the boa of my shoe and I had some difficulty climbing the hill on foot. Fortunately, I didn't have any major problems on the bike. I love racing in the mud and when I saw the rain this morning I knew it would be a race for me. Taking the lead was essential to set the trajectories, dictate my pace and reduce risks. I had a great feeling throughout the race and I really enjoyed it. It's a special victory, my first at the Internazionali d'Italia Series in a race of this level. I'm really happy! – Philip Fontana
The last race of the day was affected by bad weather, which forced the organizers to reduce the duration of the test by two laps. Fontana took the lead from the first meters, while behind him Luca Martin and Juri Zanotti fought for the top positions. On the last lap, the Frenchman managed to detach Zanotti, finishing with more than a minute of advantage over the Italian.
SAN ZENO INTERNATIONAL MEN'S ELITE RANKING
| 1 | FOUNTAIN Filippo |  | CS CARABINIERI – OLYMPIA CYCLES | 1:18:48 |
| 2 | MARTIN Luke |  | CANNONDALE FACTORY RACING | 1:19:05 |
| 3 | ZANOTTI Yuri | | WILIER-VITTORIA FACTORY TEAM | 1:20:28 |
| 4 | FINI CARSTENSENSebastian |  | MONDRAKER FACTORY RACING XC | 1:21:16 |
| 5 | PUNCHARD Cole |  | CANNONDALE FACTORY RACING | 1:21:31 |
| 6 | PEDERSEN Gustav | | 1:21:35 | |
| 7 | DE FROIDMONT Pierre |  | ORBEA FOX FACTORY TEAM | 1:21:45 |
| 8 | COLLEDANI Nadir | | MONDRAKER FACTORY RACING XC | 1:22:07 |
| 9 | PACCAGNELLA Elian | | WILIER-VITTORIA FACTORY TEAM | 1:22:35 |
| 10 | BRAIDOT Daniel | | CS CARABINIERI – OLYMPIA CYCLES | 1:22:49 |
UNDER23
In the Under 23 race, Canadian Cole Punchard (Cannondale Factory Racing) got the better of Gustav Heby Pedersen (Wilier-Vittoria Factory Team) at the end of a heated battle, with a margin of just four seconds between the two. On the third step of the podium was Elian Paccagnella (Wilier-Vittoria Factory Team).
I started strong and made some nice overtakings, it was really fun. Given the conditions, it was a very challenging race, but I'm happy with the fifth place overall and the success among the Under 23s. I really enjoy racing in Italy: the level is always very high and the courses are technical and fun. – Cole Punchard
The second stage of the Internazionali d'Italia Series will take place on Saturday 22 March on the Argentario track.
