Italy's MTB team confirmed its European lead in the Team Relay competition for the second consecutive year at the European Championships in Melgaco, Portugal. Juri Zanotti, Elian Paccagnella, Martina Berta, Elisa Ferri, Valentina Corvi, and Ettore Fabbro outperformed the Swiss and German elites in a spectacular and competitive race, thanks to a race that saw them lead virtually every lap.
Source: press release
Coach Mirko Celestino was enthusiastic and praised the team's overall behavior: It wasn't easy to start with the number one on my back and the odds against me. Juri Zanotti had some problems at the start but kept calm and didn't panic, recovering already in his lap and handing over the baton to the lead. I knew he was the right person precisely because of his vast experience and ability to maintain a high level of concentration. The rest of the guys maintained their advantage, in some cases increasing it in head-to-head matches. Ettore Fabbro took over the baton by a wide margin and controlled the expected and predictable comeback of a champion like Schurter. I'm happy with the overall response and the team spirit shown by everyone, even those who didn't race but cheered on their teammates along the track.
The race saw the Italians consistently lead at every handoff, first alongside Germany, then Denmark, who collapsed in the final handoffs, while favored Switzerland surged forward. Fabbro, the last runner, finished with a time of 1:02:18, with Switzerland trailing by 39 seconds, outsprinting Germany (40 seconds behind).
Juri Zanotti: "A well-deserved team victory that rewards everyone's hard work. In this specialty, we thrive and are able to give everyone our best. It's a great satisfaction."
The athletes and staff received compliments from President Cordiano Dagnoni: Off-road racing continues to yield titles. The fact that we traditionally excel in this specialty demonstrates the overall value of our movement, thanks to the hard work of our coaches and staff, as well as the clubs and athletes, whom we will never tire of thanking.
