If the saying "well begun is half done" holds true, then 2025 could be a fantastic year for the Wilier Vittoria MTB Factory Team and Simone Avondetto. The European Champion claimed victory at the Verona MTB International, the first race of the season, finishing ahead of his teammate Luca Braidot, who celebrated his debut in the new team colors with an impressive podium finish.
Avondetto made his move on the fourth of the eight laps on the Verona circuit, quickly becoming untouchable for his rivals. Behind him, Braidot recovered from a less-than-perfect start, catching the front group and ultimately distancing Filippo Fontana in the final stretch.
"I was feeling good. After three or four laps, I tested my rivals' endurance, and when I saw they couldn’t keep up, I just pushed through to the finish," said Avondetto, who also won this race in 2022. "This was the perfect event to start the season, a great way to test my legs on a technical and demanding course. It feels great to get the first win under my belt right away. Now, my focus is on the next goals."
Both Avondetto and Braidot will be at the start line of the Internazionali d’Italia Series in Albenga next week before heading to South Africa for the Cape Epic, taking place from March 16 to 23.
Meanwhile, over in Puerto Rico, young Canadian rider Ella MacPhee kicked off her season as well. Last weekend, she finished second in the Tropical MTB Challenge, and today she secured third place in the XCC race at the Puerto Rico MTB Cup.
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