Wilier-Vittoria: Melgaço, Portugal - UEC European Championships 2025 - Preview

It’s European Championship time for the Wilier-Vittoria MTB Factory Team. After Simone Avondetto’s incredible victory last year, expectations are naturally high heading into the 2024 UEC Continental Championships, taking place in Melgaço, Portugal, from Thursday, July 24 to Sunday, July 27.

Melgaço, the northernmost municipality in Portugal, has established itself as a top destination for nature and outdoor sports, thanks to ongoing investments in high-quality sports infrastructure and a strong commitment to preserving and promoting the local landscape. Set in the stunning Peneda-Gerês National Park, the technical and demanding courses are perfectly integrated into the environment — offering ideal terrain for XCO racing and off-road riding in general.

A clear sign of the strength and cohesion within the Wilier-Vittoria squad is this: every European rider on the team, representing both Italy and Denmark, has been selected by their national federation. It’s not by chance — it’s the result of focused, high-level work day in and day out.

This latest achievement comes on the heels of a standout performance at the World Cup in Pal Arinsal, Andorra, where Wilier-Vittoria was one of the top-performing teams of the weekend, finishing second overall. That success confirms the team’s rise to the elite of the sport. After six rounds out of ten, Wilier-Vittoria currently sits third in the overall World Cup standings — a milestone that speaks volumes about their continued progress.

This weekend, Wilier-Vittoria’s athletes will line up in Italy and Denmark jerseys. For the Azzurri, the squad will be led by reigning European Champion Simone Avondetto, who will attempt to defend his title, along with Luca Braidot, who’s been in great form on the World Cup circuit, Juri Zanotti, and Elian Paccagnella, who will line up with high ambitions in the U23 race.Sofie and Gustav Pedersen will represent Denmark, with Gustav heading in as one of the top contenders in the U23 men’s field.

Where to Watch the European Championships in Melgaço?

CLICK HERE to find out which channels/platforms are broadcasting the UEC European Championships in your country. Here are the local start times for the XCC, Team Relay and XCO races, so you won’t miss a single pedal stroke from the Wilier-Vittoria riders!

Thursday, July 24

• 16:00 – 16:30 – UEC Short Track European Championships | Women Elite (S. Pedersen)
  

• 16:45 – 17:15 – UEC Short Track European Championships | Men Elite & U23 (Avondetto, Braidot, G. Pedersen)

Friday, July 25

• 15:30 – 16:30 – UEC Team Relay European Championships | Team Relay (Zanotti, Paccagnella)

Saturday, July 26

• 16:15 – 17:45 – UEC Cross-Country Olympic European Championships | Men U23 (Paccagnella, G. Pedersen)

Sunday, July 27

• 13:30 – 15:10 – UEC Cross-Country Olympic European Championships | Women Elite (S. Pedersen)
  

• 16:10 – 17:50 – UEC Cross-Country Olympic European Championships | Men Elite (Avondetto, Braidot, Zanotti)