Jolanda Neff (Cannondale Factory Racing) wins the first stage of the Internazionali d'Italia Series, completing the five laps of the Pineta Sperane track in 1h 44'40”.
Source: press release
The Swiss preceded her compatriot Ginia Caluori (Nexetis), second at 1'02”, and Sofie Heby Pedersen (Wilier-Vittoria Factory Team), third with a delay of 1'34”.
The race went well, even though it was very cold towards the end. There was a lot of uphill running, which made the race even more challenging, but luckily the downhills were fun and manageable. It was definitely tough. It was also my first time in Italy this year and I had never been to San Zeno before. I always really enjoy competing in Italy: the events are interesting and well organised. Now we still have two weeks before we fly to Brazil, so I can focus on training. Next weekend I have another race and then I will go to the World Cup. I am really looking forward to it, even if you never really feel ready – Jolanda Neff
At the beginning the mud was really sticky, then it started to rain and the situation improved. I can say that I really enjoyed it. I decided to participate in this race at the last moment and I'm happy about it – Ginia Caluori
The second event of the day saw the women's categories - Junior, U23 and Elite - start at 11:45 under threatening skies, and then face the race in pouring rain. Jolanda Neff imposed her pace right from the launch lap, immediately leaving her opponents behind. In the meantime, the athletes of Nexetis tried to reduce the gap. Lap after lap, the Olympic champion continued to increase her advantage, while Sofie Heby Pedersen started a progressive comeback, managing to conquer the third step of the podium behind Caluori.
ELITE WOMEN RANKING SAN ZENO INTERNATIONAL
| 1 | NEFF Jolanda |  | CANNONDALE FACTORY RACING | 1:44:41 |
| 2 | HEATS Ginia | | NEXETIS | 1:45:43 |
| 3 | PEDERSEN Sophie |  | 1:46:15 | |
| 4 | HUBER Leah | | NEXETIS | 1:47:37 |
| 5 | SPECIA Jade |  | KTM FACTORY MTB TEAM | 1:48:52 |
| 6 | FORKS Ramona | | 1:49:11 | |
| 7 | DAUBERMANN Louise |  | 1:50:31 | |
| 8 | LOVE Lucy | | TRINX FACTORY TEAM | 1:51:07 |
| 9 | TAUBER Anne |  | KTM FACTORY MTB TEAM | 1:52:33 |
| 10 | PESSE Nicole | | CS CARABINIERI – OLYMPIA CYCLES | 1:52:48 |
Category U23
Swiss Lea Huber (Nexetis) took the victory in the U23 category, completing the five laps in 1h 47'36”. Lucia Bramati (Trinx Factory Team) took the second step of the podium with a gap of 3'30”, followed by Beatrice Fontana (Lee Cougan Banca Prealpi) who completed the race in 1h 53'13”, finishing 5'37” behind the winner.
“The race conditions were crazy, super muddy, which made the race incredibly challenging,” explains Lea Huber. “I don’t think I’ve ever raced in so much mud before! My goal today was to start strong, find my rhythm, ride as smoothly as possible, and push myself lap after lap. My main goal this year is the World Championships in Switzerland.”
