Italy climbs to the top step of the podium in the relay at the European MTB Championships taking place in Cheile Grădiștei in Romania. Mirko Celestino had said yesterday, on the eve of the test, that the group set up for the occasion was top level and that he would aim for success. And that's how it was.
Source: Federciclismo press release
The blue Team Relay, made up of Simone Avondetto, Matteo Siffredi, Chiara Teocchi, Jade Martinoli, Valentina Crows and Matthias Stenico engaged in an exciting duel with France, favorites on the eve, which was resolved in our favor only in the final part. Under the banner, at the end of 1h01'36" of the race, Mattia Stenico passed first, the last member of the team, with 19" on the Frenchman Carod and a good 55" on the Swiss Litscher.
Italy starts off well with Avondetto, author of a great performance and the best overall performance on the lap, like the Transalpine Musy. On the first lap the two national teams immediately make the matter clear and make it clear that it will be difficult for the others to keep up with them. Matteo Siffredi makes the first push for Italy, leaving the competition about twenty seconds behind. Chiara Teocchi maintains the lead, while the very young Giada Martinoli loses slightly compared to her opponents. At that moment, during the fourth lap, France and Switzerland make up for it but it is Valentina Corvi who puts our wheels ahead of everyone, passing the baton to Mattia Stenico with a handful of seconds ahead. Mattia lets his direct competitors vent to launch the decisive attack in the final kilometers and thus give away the first continental title of this expedition.
“We knew we were strong but that we had to compete with very competitive teams, which is why we started at full speed with Avondetto and Siffredi. Well done to Chiara Teocchi in keeping the lead, as well as Valentina Corvi in rebuilding one. Great character from Mattia Stenico who, despite the emotion of being among the youngest in the race, ran with skill and cunning, letting his strong direct opponent let off steam and then attacking him on the toughest climbs.
Giada Martinoli was also good, young and perhaps overcome by emotion, but who competed skilfully against stronger opponents on paper. It was a beautiful day, in which the boys really gave their all, demonstrating a great attachment to the shirt, as did the staff here in Romania, super busy due to the conditions of the pitch and the mud. Teamwork for a success that allows us to look to the next few days with confidence.”
COMPLETE RANKING
THE CALLED:
Elite men
AVONDETTO SIMONE – WILIER-VITTORIA FACTORY TEAM XCO
BRAIDOT DANIELE – CS CARABINIERI CICLI OLYMPIA
BRAIDOT LUCA – GS FLAMES GOLD
ZANOTTI JURI – TEAM BMC
Elite women
SEIWALD GRETA – TEAM ROCKRIDER
SPECIA JADE – WILIER-VITTORIA FACTORY TEAM XCO
TEOCCHI CHIARA – ARMY SPORTS CENTER
Men U23
ELIAN PACCAGNELLA – WILIER-VITTORIA FACTORY TEAM XCO
SIFFREDI MATTEO – SCOTT RACING TEAM
Women U23
BRAMATI LUCIA – TRINX FACTORY TEAM
CORTINOVIS SARA – SANTA CRUZ ROCKSHOX PRO TEAM
VALENTINA CROWS – SANTA CRUZ ROCKSHOX PRO TEAM
Junior men
BOSIO TOMMASO – TREVIGLIESE CYCLING
RIAL ELIA – SCOTT RACING TEAM
STENICO MATTIA – TEAM GIORGI ASD
Junior women
MYRTO' EARTH EATER – TRACK TEAM
MARTINOLI GIADA – SCOTT RACING TEAM
RINALDONI GIULIA – SCOTT RACING TEAM
PROGRAM:
THURSDAY 9 MAY
11.00-11.30 – XCC Junior women
11.45-12.15 – XCC Junior Men
14.30-15.00 – XCC Women U23
15.15-15.45 – XCC Men U23
16.00-16.30 – XCC Women Elite
16.45-17.15 – XCC Men Elite
FRIDAY 10 MAY
15.00pm-16.30pm – XCR Team Relay
Saturday May 11
11.00-12.15 – XCO Junior Men
13.00-14.15 – XCO Women Junior
16.00-17.30 – XCO Men U23
Sunday May 12
10.30-12.00 – XCO Women U23
13.00-14.40 – XCO Women Elite
16.00-17.40 – XCO Men Elite
