Tanja Žakelj dominatrix in Alpago. In the last round of the Internazionali d'Italia Series in Chies d'Alpago
the Slovenian champion won the women's race following a great comeback. Fourth
the home athlete Giorgia Marchet (KTM – Protek – Elettrosystem) who conquers the general classification
of the circuit.
Here are the words of the Belluno native (Marchet) immediately after arriving: “The Lamosano circuit is one of the most
hard, even more so today due to the great heat. The new route is much nicer with some
artificial technical passage. I think that beyond the effort we also had fun. I'm not from a
wonderful period and I'm not in great shape so I have to settle for this fourth place.
But I'm getting my legs back and I console myself with the overall victory at Internazionali, a goal
that I have had for a long time and now I am very satisfied with it. In this edition I have never won one
stage, but I was constant. In a few weeks there will be the Italians where I would like to arrive
prepared and then graduation, another important appointment and a strong emotion.”
The winner Tanja Žakelj commented on the day like this: “I ran at my own pace from the start
Today. She was tough both because of the heat and the very fast pace. Halfway through the race I was in front and I did it
what I could. The track is very fast and technical, with some very challenging jumps. Was
thrilling. Now the next goal is the World Cup, the National Championships and the Olympics.”
However, it was not an obvious victory for the expert Žakelj, who before the final solo ride
had to chase for a long time.
a long time and now I'm very satisfied with it. In this edition I have never won one
stage, but I was constant. In a few weeks there will be the Italians where I would like to arrive
prepared and then graduation, another important appointment and a strong emotion.”
The winner Tanja Žakelj commented on the day like this: “I ran at my own pace from the start
Today. She was tough both because of the heat and the very fast pace. Halfway through the race I was in front and I did it
what I could. The track is very fast and technical, with some very challenging jumps. Was
thrilling. Now the next goal is the World Cup, the National Championships and the Olympics.”
However, it was not an obvious victory for the expert Žakelj, who before the final solo ride
had to chase for a long time.
The race
There were 17 athletes at the start in the Open category, which started at 12:00 under a scorching sun. Already at
at the end of the second of seven laps, the U23 Nicole Pesse (Trinx Factory Team) broke through and took
elongated significantly. In pursuit of him, a trio was formed consisting of Tanja Žakelj,
Giorgia Marchet and the U23 Lucrezia Braida (Team Sogno Veneto). When it now seemed that the
Pesse's advantage was unbridgeable, the Slovenian champion brought out all her experience and
in just a few kilometers she reached and overtook her opponent, taking the victory with 40''
advantage over the Trinx Factory Team rider. Third at 1'10'' Lucrezia Braida, fourth at 2'34''
Giorgia Marchet, already leader of the general classification, who definitively wins the Internazionali
of Italy Series 2024 among the Elite women.
U23 and Junior
Among U23 great proof of Nicole Pesse therefore, which has already separated its category opponents
start of the race and cherished the dream of overall victory for a long time. Second Lucrezia Braida, as she closes
the podium was Giulia Challancin (BCL Factor Team).
Fourth was Lucia Bramati (Trinx Factory Team) who thus also took over the U23 general classification
female. “Today was really hard” – she declared – “I suffered a lot from the heat. The first three laps everything
Overall they went well, but then I had to slow down because my body was going a little
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beyond. In the end, however, I am very happy because I managed to keep the shirt. Hot and tired
running part here is always important both for performance and for the organization and all the commitment
that they put in. The last time I ran here was 2018 and I found a much changed route.
Beautiful, fun and technical. In this edition I have always progressed at each stage today
a little understated but in the end I'm still satisfied. Now I will prepare for the next races
World Cup."
Among Junior instead, the European Champion emerged Maruša Tereza Šerkezi, in front of Giada
Martinoli (Scott Racing Team) and Antonia Grangl (Austrian National Team). With this result
Martinoli consolidated his leadership in the general classification of the category, winning
thus the Internazionali d'Italia Series 2024 among the Juniors.
This is his comment at the end of this 4-stage adventure: “We have concluded this
circuit in beauty. I suffered a bit in the first laps, then it was a good fight with Maruša but al
penultimate lap I couldn't hold it. Today she was really tough from the climbs and the heat. I am
in any case happy with how I approached this circuit, good races, good routes and in the end great
satisfaction. I hope to continue like this, my next goal is the Italian Championship.”
