San Zeno di Montagna (VR) is preparing to welcome the best athletes on the world scene for the first stage of the Internazionali d'Italia Series. Among the protagonists of this edition are last year's winner Gioele Bertolini (KTM Protek Elettrosystem), Chiara Teocchi (Lapierre Racing Unity) and Nadir Colledani (Mondraker Factory Team), who revealed their expectations and goals in view of the inaugural race of the circuit.
Source: press release
Gioele Bertolini, winner of the final ranking of the Internazionali d'Italia Series 2024, aims to defend the title he won last season: “My goal is to reconfirm myself and, if possible, improve further, even if the level of participants increases year after year. The organizers are constantly working to allow us to race on courses similar to those we find in the World Cup, thus attracting even the strongest athletes. For my part, I will try to tackle the circuit with the utmost determination, trying to interpret each stage in the best way possible and see how the ranking evolves.”
The KTM Protek Elettrosystem athlete is optimistic ahead of the San Zeno race: “Last season I had just changed teams and materials, so I wasn’t 100%. This year, however, I’m coming to the race after having faced a good winter, so I’m confident I can ride at the head of the race and play my cards to get on the podium. The track is very technical and fun and has some rather tricky passages. In some sections it’s a bit narrow and overtaking isn’t easy, so it will be important not to be caught unprepared.”
Chiara Teocchi also particularly appreciates the track of the first race of the Internazionali d'Italia Series: "San Zeno is one of my favorite courses, it's natural and scenic, every year I gladly return to tackle it. Last season I managed to get on the podium, at the moment I'm not in top form yet, so I'll start with the goal of doing a good performance and giving my best, without focusing too much on the result."
Teocchi, who joined Lapierre Racing Unity this year, explains: “With the new team we have found a long-term agreement that will allow me to participate in the Los Angeles Olympics. I immediately liked their planning and design of the season, I will try to participate in as many stages as possible of the Internazionali d'Italia Series to best prepare for the World Cup races. The technical courses and the high level of the participants make the Internazionali races very stimulating and perfect for arriving ready for the most important events of the year.”
After a positive 2024, in which he achieved excellent results, Nadir Colledani has joined Mondraker Factory Team, with whom he expects to continue his growth: “Last year went well, even though I wasn’t able to achieve all the goals I had set myself. This year I am sure that with the new team I will have the opportunity to grow as an athlete and improve further. The team’s project is perfectly in line with my ambitions and expectations in a peaceful environment where I can work and focus on my evolution day after day. The goal for this year is the world championship as the path is particularly suited to my characteristics.”
For the athlete from Friuli, however, the approach to the new season has not been ideal, in fact last winter he had to undergo shoulder surgery: "The recovery is going well, even if it was not easy to start pedaling again after a month and a half of complete immobilization of the arm. I struggled a lot on the bike, but I have to say that it is getting better and better and the sensations are good. In 2024 in San Zeno I had a good race, this year I don't know what to expect having been stopped for a long time. I don't set myself goals in terms of results, during the race I will only focus on the feeling with the bike and with my body. I like the route, it is very physical. By trying it you can better understand the bike, the various settings on the forks, pressures, etc. It is very fun and complete, one of the best in Italy in my opinion."
San Zeno di Montagna, with its technical and spectacular course, promises to be one of the most competitive events of the season, confirming itself as an unmissable event for enthusiasts and professionals.
