We are back to Sauce the Oulx thanks to the third stage of the circuit All EnduroFor the writer, the Susa Valley is a place with a special meaning. At the dawn of enduro in Italy, Sauze was one of the symbolic destinations: the first Italian edition of the was held hereEnduro of Nations, in collaboration with France, and legendary events have taken place here. It's impossible to forget the endless two-day race that linked Sauze to Sestriere, a concentration of effort, adrenaline, and pure passion.
For those who experienced the birth of this discipline, Sauze holds a special place in memoryWhen I saw the location in the 2025 calendar, I had no doubts: I had to be there, to savour a bit of nostalgia and to understand how the world of Italian enduro is changing.
Generational change: another world, same smiles
The first impression, perhaps a little melancholic, is that Most of the riders present had never experienced the "historic" events I was talking aboutSome were newborns, others too young for a Superenduro. This says a lot: Time passes even for those who ride mountain bikes.
Once upon a time, at every race I found well-known faces, people with whom I had shared the years of enduro, but also those of DH in the 90s and cross country. In Sauze, however, I perceived a clear generational change, evident among the top riders (and this is natural), but especially among the amateurs. There were only a few "old timers" present. Among the big names, only Alex Lupato and the stainless Bruno Zanchi resist. On the other hand, many young people, an increasing number of girls, and the same genuine atmosphere as always: adrenaline, passion and enthusiasm.
Enduro is (also) school: the growth of youth sectors
The most important difference compared to the early years, however, is not only anagraphic. It is structuralThe real leap in quality that I noticed in Sauze – and in other races – is the solid presence of an organised youth sector.
Once upon a time, "kids" were added to teams almost by chance, without any real technical training. Today, however, I have seen well-structured groups, with federal masters or qualified instructors who follow them, motivate them and help them grow. The result? Beginners and students who they already drive safely, even if – as Monchiero says – they often put on a bit too much of a “show”, with whips and dips that don't always help you get down faster.
The boys who compete in theEDR They are the latest offspring of Superenduro. The hope is that the new All Enduro circuit will succeed to collect his legacy, offering quality events that become a reference, a training ground and a springboard for young Italian riders.
A changing world: fewer magazines, more influencers
Meanwhile, the context has also changed. When Superenduro was born, there were three specialized magazines (Our Marzio Bardi was among the creators of the format), a fair and a few other events. No influencers, no YouTubers, little digital content and an overall simpler world.
Today organizing a circuit is more complexCosts have gone up, budgets have shrunk, and enduro bikes have lost their centrality, partly supplanted by e-bikes. Companies are struggling, but it is important to remember that national circuits are a fundamental driving force for the sector. In enduro as in XC or DH, they create passion, fuel competition and train athletes. Not all of them will become professionals, but the more the base grows, the stronger the community will be.
And then there's the human value. Leaving your own region, taking on trips, getting to know new places, new people. They are training experiences, which leave their mark. And which, perhaps, in fifteen years will lead someone to write an article like this one full of emotion on "that epic day in Sauze on July 20, 2025”, 2500 meters of altitude difference and adrenaline in abundance.
A plea for the future: don't give up
I close with a sincere thank you to Frank Monchiero for having undertaken this new adventure, Red Bike who brought national enduro back to Sauze d'Oulx and to all those who, with passion and tenacity, are keeping the Italian enduro movement alive. Running a circuit today is difficult; it requires resources, expertise, and vision. But it's also fundamental.
And with that, a appealDon't stop believing. Open the doors to new generations of organizers, athletes, and coaches. Listen to the fresh voices, but cherish the memory of what has happened. Only in this way can we continue to build a solid, rooted and shared future.
Italian enduro still has a lot to offer. And who knows, perhaps even its next great rebirth. will start once again from Sauze d'Oulx.
And the race? In Sauze, things got serious.
So far we've talked about atmosphere, generational changes, and perspectives. But let's not forget that, first and foremost, in Sauze it was run. And we ran fast.
The race saw very high rhythms, especially in the muscle category, where David Dal Pian He imposed his law from the very beginning. An absolute ruler, he won four of the five specials, finishing with a clear margin and a solid, precise, fast race conduct.
He placed himself behind him Nicholas Bima, who in addition to being known for his MTB technique tutorials, has demonstrated – if there was ever a need – that knowing how to really go fast Even among the ribbons. A well-deserved second place, the result of talent and awareness.
The third step of the podium went to Gabriele Bleuathlete Junior of the Team MangoneA performance that not only confirms his value, but also represents concrete demonstration of the excellent work of MTB schools: young people grow well, and when they are followed methodically, they can be competitive even with more experienced athletes.
In Sauze, the women's race also offered interesting insights and a podium that says much more than just three names. The winner was Émilie Polo, author of a solid and determined race, with a clean and safe conduction on all the special stages.
She ranked behind him Camilla Martinet, while on the third step of the podium she climbed Sophie Riva, thus closing an all-Aosta podium.
A result that it can't be a coincidenceThe fact that the first three positions are occupied by riders coming from the Val d'Aosta clearly indicates that good work is being done in that region.
The young protagonists: clear signs of the future
in the category Debutant, the victory went to Peter Segalini, standard bearer ofBalance MTB SchoolAnother organization that is making a name for itself for its commitment to training and the concrete results of its students. Segalini has shown excellent race management, clean driving and a true racer attitude.
Among Raw little cuttlefish, the performance of stands out Emanuele Baglietto of the Canellese Pedal, which he recorded top 10 times overall, confirming a truly impressive technical potential. For an athlete of his age, being so close to the best in the overall standings is a clear sign: the future is already here.
The new face of women's enduro
A special mention goes to the category female, where a small but great event took place: the overall victory went to a very young class of 2012, first year among the rookies.
His performance amazed not only for his tenacity, but for the quality of time, competitive even compared to the Open category. A very strong signal that confirms how Even among girls, a new generation of tough, prepared and determined riders is emerging, capable of giving thread from
twist to anyone.
E-bike: Levra dominates, but what a podium!
Even among the electrical, in Sauze there was no shortage of entertainment. The category saw fast pace and real competition, demonstrating how e-bike enduro is now a consolidated reality and capable of attracting high-level riders.
It was the one who prevailed Alessandro Levra, author of an impeccable race. A rider of crystalline talent, Levra has demonstrated that he has something extraHis driving is clean, effective, always on the edge. And, honestly, It would be nice to see him again among the muscular ones too, where he could still have his say at the highest level.
In second place is a well-known name on the national scene: Andrea Garibbo, solid and consistent throughout the day, capable of always staying in touch with the top. He closes the podium Luca Corvezzo, which confirms that it is now a regular presence at the top of the e-bike results.
While in the women's field he wins Federica Amelio, who shares the successes in the PS with the second place finisher, Melani Matilde
Now the appointment is for the grand finale at Oasi Zegna, another location that over the years has carved out an important niche for itself as a venue for top-level Enduro.
