In the end, the only one who beat him is always the same. But Federico Brafa, this time, he came really close. The Piedmontese, after the bronze in the XCC juniors, also puts thesilver in XCO, coming close to the continental title at the MTB European Championships in Portugal.
Source: FCI press release
The winner remains the same—Anatol Friedl, the Austrian who already won gold in short track—but the Italian can leave the Melgaço track with his head held high. The race was decided in a sprint, with Friedl narrowly edging him out: a finale that leaves a hint of disappointment, but this silver medal is worth it, indeed it is worth it.
With two medals in three days, Brafa confirms his position as one of the most solid and well-rounded talents in his category. This double podium finish enhances an already brilliant season—he's the newly crowned Italian champion—and strengthens, medal after medal, the winning identity of this Italian off-road team, which already won gold yesterday in the mixed relay.
Swiss Lars Iten completed the podium in third place, 26 seconds behind the winner.
COMPLETE RANKING
| 1 | FRIEDL Anatol |  TUE | 1:04:22 |
| 2 | BRAFA Federico Rosario |  ITA | 1:04:22 |
| 3 | ITEN Lewin |  SUI | 1:04:48 |
| 4 | EBRECHT Max |  GER | 1:05:15 |
| 5 | GHIBAUDO Mathieu |  From | 1:05:26 |
| 6 | BARRET MAUNZ Maks Alfred | TUE | 1:05:36 |
| 7 | Vadim GVOZDAREV |  RUS | 1:05:39 |
| 8 | BAKELAAR Daan |  NED | 1:05:50 |
| 9 | LANTER Fynn | SUI | 1:06:15 |
| 10 | TIMMERMANS Cas | NED | 1:06:23 |
