Flying start in Korea for Wilier-Vittoria! Avondetto on the podium in the short track

It was only a matter of time: Simone Avondetto claimed his first World Cup podium with an outstanding second place in today's XCC race in Mona YongPyong, South Korea, the opening round of the season. The Wilier-Vittoria MTB Factory Team rider delivered a strong performance from the very first of eleven laps, in a race raced at full throttle with no room to breathe.

Avondetto handled the most intense phases with composure, staying in the lead group and fighting for the result all the way to the final sprint, where he was beaten only by France's Mathis Azzaro.

"I didn't expect my first podium to come this early — and in an XCC race," said Avondetto. "I focused on staying near the front, avoiding trouble and never dropping out of the top 10. My legs felt good, and when the attacks started on the final lap, I had the strength to follow. In the end, it turned into a tough race as always, but I'm really happy with this podium."

There was more success in the U23 XCC race, where Gustav Heby Pedersen also secured second place, beaten only in the sprint by Spain's Thibaud François Baudry. For the Danish rider, who already finished on the overall podium in the discipline last season, it confirms the strong work done over the winter.

All eyes now turn to Sunday, when challenging weather conditions are expected in Korea, with rain and cold set to make the race even more demanding.