Capping off a stellar season in which he claimed the overall title in the World Cup, Fabian Rabensteiner wrapped up his 2024 — and that of the Wilier-Vittoria MTB Factory Team — with a fantastic victory at the Castro Legend Cup.
The course, which was slightly shortened due to bad weather, spanned 60 km along the Adriatic coast of Salento. Wearing the Italian national champion’s jersey, Rabensteiner managed to come out on top after a thrilling duel with Colombian rider Hector Leonardo Paez, with whom he had also battled in the World Cup. The South Tyrolean rider finished the race in 2h17’10”, pulling away from Paez in the final stretch and even having time to lift his bike into the air as he crossed the finish line.
“I really wanted to do well in this last race of the year,” said Rabensteiner. “At the start, I didn’t want to take too many risks because the course was tricky with slippery stones and strong winds. I stayed at the front, setting the pace until 20 km to go when Paez attacked. I was the only one who managed to follow him, and at that point, I stayed more passive, as I was fine with the race coming down to a sprint. At 2 km to go, he made a mistake in a chicane, and I went straight through, finishing solo. It’s a great victory, and I dedicate it to the whole team, staff, and sponsors who supported us throughout this year and beyond. I can only say, 'Thank you!'"
In addition to his World Cup triumph (including a stage win in Nove Mesto) and the Italian championship, Rabensteiner's season ends with a victory at the Andalucia Bike Race, 5th place at the Cape Epic, a win at the Riva del Garda Bike Marathon, crossing the line alongside Samuele Porro at the Dolomiti Superbike, a stage win at the Swiss Epic, a bronze medal at the European Championship, 4th place at the Mythos, and 2nd at the Roc d'Azur.
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