A FIRST TO REMEMBER: PACCAGNELLA WINS U23 SHORT TRACK IN ARAXÁ

He’d already shown promising signs during last weekend’s opening round of the 2025 World Cup, but this time, in Round 2—again in Araxá—Elian Paccagnella took it to the next level. The Wilier-Vittoria MTB Factory Team rider powered his way to victory in the U23 short track, leading a thrilling race on the fast Brazilian course.

He crossed the line just 3 seconds ahead of Switzerland’s Finn Treudler, and 8 seconds ahead of teammate Gustav Heby Pedersen, who added yet another brilliant podium to the two he claimed last week.

The Danish rider played a key team role, helping create the gap that allowed Paccagnella to go clear and hold on until the finish. Now in his second year in the category, this marks Paccagnella’s first-ever World Cup win.

The result also catapults him to the top of the U23 overall standings.

“What a feeling—I wasn’t expecting this," said the Italian national champion. "But when I realized I was still in it going into the final lap, I gave it everything and it paid off. It was hot out there, but back in Italy I’d done some heat training to get used to these conditions, and I think it really helped. I don’t know what to expect from tomorrow, but we’ll try to recover and give our all in the XCO. In the meantime, I’ve made one dream come true.”

There were also encouraging signs from the other categories. Luca Braidot finished 5th in the elite men’s XCC, with Juri Zanotti in 15th and Simone Avondetto in 18th. In the elite women’s race, Sofie Heby Pedersen placed 14th, while Ella MacPhee secured 8th, earning a spot on the front row for tomorrow’s XCO.

On Saturday, it’s time for another round of XCO racing, and Wilier-Vittoria is ready to be back in the spotlight.