The Wilier-Vittoria MTB Factory Team kicked off its Italian calendar with a podium finish at the Internazionali Coppa Città di Albenga, characterized by heavy and muddy terrain. Giada Specia secured the second spot in the women's race after a fierce battle with Chiara Teocchi and Martina Berta, with Teocchi's experience ultimately prevailing.
"The Albenga race is useful for getting into the racing rhythm and competing with high-level athletes," said Specia. "I'm not yet at 100% form, as is normal for this time of the season, but I've identified areas to work on. Attending races is much more beneficial than training alone at home. This was a tough race, made even more challenging by the mud, so it turned out to be a good test. Next week in San Zeno, we hope to take another step forward."
In the same race, young riders Sofie Pedersen and Ginia Lara Caluori delivered excellent performances, finishing just outside the podium. Caluori, in particular, secured the 5th position and also won the special classification for U23 girls, making her debut in the Wilier-Vittoria jersey undoubtedly positive.
"It's really nice to start the season with such a convincing performance, especially winning the U23 category," said Caluori. "There is a lot of excitement for this new adventure with the beautiful colors of Wilier-Vittoria. The team and staff have welcomed me warmly, and I am confident that we can aim for significant achievements. The goal? To be the best version of myself, hoping to be very competitive in the World Cup."
On the men's side, in the extremely muddy Ligurian trails, Simone Avondetto secured an encouraging but not entirely truthful 8th place, given that his performance was among the best, and only a double puncture deprived him of a more prestigious result. Gustav Pedersen took the 9th position and finished second among the U23 riders, narrowly beaten by the more experienced Frenchman Luca Martin. However, a back problem forced the very young Elian Paccagnella to retire.
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