Wilier-Vittoria dominates in Courmayeur!

It was a Saturday painted in Wilier-Vittoria MTB Factory Team colours in Courmayeur, as both the men’s and women’s races were dominated by the Italian squad, which now shifts its focus to the upcoming World Cup weekend in Nové Město na Moravě.

Simone Avondetto claimed an impressive victory in the men’s race, leading a strong Wilier-Vittoria performance completed by Juri Zanotti, second at 55 seconds, and Gustav Heby Pedersen, fifth overall at 2’45” and the best U23 rider of the day.

“A win like the one in Courmayeur definitely gives confidence ahead of the next races,” said Avondetto. “I’m happy to confirm myself on a course that I enjoy and where I’ve always been able to perform well. Juri and I started aggressively right away, then I managed to make the difference in the opening laps and control the gap until the finish. The podium in the XCC in South Korea was also an important sign and confirmation of the good form I’m currently in. Now the focus is already on Nové Město and the World Cup. We’re entering the most intense part of the season, with one major race after another.”

In the women’s race, Sofie Heby Pedersen was in complete control, taking her second victory of the season after winning the XCO in Vila de Melgaço, Portugal, at the end of February.

“It was the final test before Nové Město na Moravě and I’m really happy with how I felt,” said the Danish champion. “I took the lead right from the start and was able to keep building a small advantage throughout the race. Winning is always good for confidence, and hopefully I’ll have the same legs next weekend.”

Meanwhile, on Sunday, another group of Wilier-Vittoria riders lined up in Slovenia at the Kamniški Kros. In the men’s race, Luca Braidot finished fourth, with Elian Paccagnella in fifth, while Canada’s Ella MacPhee secured third place in the women’s event.